IT LIVES! My Z/LE ZL1 + 1LE + 2SS = Z/LE ;o) LSA SC [COTW 2/09/15]

[hammdo]

Yep, having that happen twice really sucked. The car had Gobs of power and was really running strong. Hated to stop because of that. Still need to get the car setup for tracking, so I'm asking JusticPete about how I can best setup the suspension and alignment. I gotta tell you, that is one bad ass track -- really technical and a drivers track -- you really need to pay attention for sure... Such a blast though taking it out and seeing where its at...

-Don

[JusticePete]

PM replied to.

[hammdo]

So, here is a pic of the Racing Legend Andy Pilgrim getting ready to drive my car:



Was pretty excited to have him make suggestions.

Here is the video where he is taking it out. You'll hear us discuss the car and setup -- priceless (Just another day for him, so down to earth):



Here is what happened when the axle popped. I noticed the exhaust clamp broke, but not from the axle -- must have been the force when it was under stress:



Looks like I need a new one...

-Don

[hammdo]

So, now with that done, I had to order a cat back exhaust (can't just get the cat to axle), will order the Eaton TruTrac, LWP diff cover, and bushings for diff. Also ordered JPSS front and rear sway bars based on Andy's feedback and JusticePete recommendations.

Motor Mounts, brake fluid flush, diff upgrade, sway bar upgrades (BMR's going on sale ;o), diffuser (anyone have a stock one for and 11 they don't need/want?), new MagnaFlow exhaust cat-back, and additional HX are on order for the winter!

Damn it never ends... ;o)

-Don

[hammdo]

Just got off the phone with JusticePete -- we are both coming to the conclusion that the diff bush may be the reason the axle popped. Neither one of us have ever heard of this happening to a Gen5 before so the bushings being ripped may be the exact problem -- I'll do that check over the weekend.

JusticePete is an outstanding resource and I really appreciated his input.

I'm also getting the updated sway bars and radius bushings for the front. We discussed the track I'm running and we agree, its going to be better to upgrade.

As far as the diff, I'm researching the Z28 diff to see if that may be a better option (bushings and all). I will, if I find one, need to replace the 3.91s for my 3.45 if I'm lucky enough to locate one at a good price.

Nice to talk to someone who knows the Gen5 suspension WELL..

-Don

[JusticePete]

It was a pleasure visiting with you. You have my mobile number. Call anytime. It will be interesting to see what you find in the duff bushings.

[hammdo]

If you've never seen a full instructor led session @ an HPDI event, this is a complete session with discussion along the way. Its LONG (24 minutes) but will let you know how NCM does their sessions.



Great group of folks @ NCM -- sure wish we had that Festivus day @ LSFest.

-Don

[hammdo]

Diff will be coming out this weekend. In anticipation of what I'm going to find, I went ahead and purchased the Hendrix Engineering offset bushings:



I'm fairly certain I'll find @ least one of the stock bushings 'wrecked'. JusticePete recommended the offset bushings, so, this is what I'm getting. I'm going to wait until next week to order the Eaton and LWP diff cover. Then, get the new Eaton installed (will need new axle seals just to be safe...)

I didn't want to add 'noise', but I don't want to track and then have the axle pop again.

-Don

[hammdo]

Diff Bushings and sway bar /radius bushings on the way. Waiting on status of exhaust. Eaton and LWP will be order in the next week. Going to unbolt the headers to install the mounts since they are in the way. I'm told the gaskets are good to re-use so unless something is amiss, I'll just loosen the headers and then tighten down again.

Lots to do, but @ least I have oil -- will be ordering new brake fluid and pressure bleeder next week also to get the brakes bled.

-Don

[1KillerSS]

Originally Posted by hammdo

Diff will be coming out this weekend. In anticipation of what I'm going to find, I went ahead and purchased the Hendrix Engineering offset bushings:



I'm fairly certain I'll find @ least one of the stock bushings 'wrecked'. JusticePete recommended the offset bushings, so, this is what I'm getting. I'm going to wait until next week to order the Eaton and LWP diff cover. Then, get the new Eaton installed (will need new axle seals just to be safe...)

I didn't want to add 'noise', but I don't want to track and then have the axle pop again.

-Don

Those are the bushings I went with, Very happy, NVH is a little louder, but nothing IMO worth changing them for.

[hammdo]

Great to know. Justice Pete and I are pretty certain it's the diff bushings. These appear to be the right choice for tracking the car. Just about Every bushing in the rear diff will be replaced.

It will be next year before I can test it again, but I'll know what caused the popping of the axle. These are the only thing left that impacts the axles...

DSS and JusticePete have never heard of an axle popping out so I'm in virgin territory here... Seems that's where I've been with this build...

BTW, did you install them? If so, what did you use to remove the old bushings?

Thanks!

-Don

[1KillerSS]

Originally Posted by hammdo

BTW, did you install them? If so, what did you use to remove the old bushings?

Thanks!

-Don

I did not, however I have heard of people using a hole saw on the end of a drill to get them out.

[JusticePete]

If you have a good commercial quality air hammer, you can fold the bushing on and hammer them out with little or no damage to the diff cover while it is still on the car. If you pull the diff, a hydraulic press with the right size press plate and receiver have them out really fast.

What are your options?

[hammdo]

Both, I have a press and air hammer. I do have a sawsall too.

I'm going to pull it anyway so I may be able to notch the old bushing and press it out. Cincinnati Speed style ;o)

I'll know for sure once I get it out...

-Don