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View Full Version : Safety hoop around drive shaft is rubbing...


Ray
04-17-2013, 02:54 PM
...when suspension compresses.

I welded in Forte's drive-shaft hoop Tuesday, made sure that the off set was correct and it went in great. On my drive home, I noticed that the shaft rubbed as I was going over normal street bumps, gutters etc. while driving at the speed limit. Got the car on jack stands today and found that the drive-shaft is rubbing the front 1/4th to 1/3 of the hoop.

I've already called Mike and he's doing some review for me but I thought that I'd ask the group as well. We used Energy Suspension motor and trans mounts, Pro-Shock coil overs, rear ride height is set at 4.5-inches. (The mark at the rear of the hoop is just a dust smudge.)

Thanks,

Ray1673516736
David Hodgkins
04-17-2013, 03:35 PM
Ray,

You know me, I'm not the most experienced builder out there but I wouldn't drive with it like that until an expert tells me differently. You don't that drive shaft going out of balance!

You're running a solid axle, right?

Any chance you can "persuade" the hoop a little higher?

Good luck with it buddy.
68GT500MAN
04-17-2013, 03:50 PM
Was the car on jack stands when you measured and installed the hoop? I believe that you have a four-link rear, so that would not have changed. Might have to cut it out and weld it back in a little higher so that the shaft is centered in the hoop. Only 9 days til HB - so you had better get to work!
Doug
Ray
04-17-2013, 03:55 PM
After speaking with Mike, we've decided that the best course of action is to cut the hoop out for now until Mike can figure out what happened. I sent him some measurements and he's checking with the guy that makes the hoops.

Doug,

The car was on an alignment life with the entire weight of the car on the tires.

Ray

PS: Found out what was rubbing. It was the washer (weight) that the machine shop used to balance the shaft after they cut it down for me. Some had suggested that I use a jack and attempt to "nudge" the hoop up a bit. I tried doing that but the hoop is so well made that all I did was raise the whole car! This hoop is hell for strong!!!!