Nova front suspension - Lateral-g Forums

wrrn73 · #1 02-21-2011, 02:10 PM

My 72 Nova is starting to sag on the drivers side 1 inch front and back. Any ideas where to start to get leveled? I am planning to go on the Hot Rod power tour this year and want everything to be right.

**scherp69** · #2 02-21-2011, 10:58 PM

Is it the stock suspension? Has anything been replaced? I'd start by checking the leaning side leaf spring and see if there are any broken springs.

wrrn73 · #3 02-22-2011, 05:25 AM

Yes it is stock. The front springs and shocks were replaced in Oct. 07.

**scherp69** · #4 02-22-2011, 11:06 AM

Like I said, I'd start by putting the car up on some ramps or a hoist if available and start looking for anything that may be broken. Check the leaf springs to see if any are broken. Get a good flashlight and check for any cracks or spaces that shouldn't be there. Even though the front springs are fairly new, you could also check them to make sure the driver's side one hasn't broke. Start there and rule out something breaking first.

Hotchkis · #5 03-01-2011, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrrn73

My 72 Nova is starting to sag on the drivers side 1 inch front and back. Any ideas where to start to get leveled? I am planning to go on the Hot Rod power tour this year and want everything to be right.

Wrrn73,
What shocks do you have? If they are gas-charged shocks, you may have had one fail. Does the low side feel mushy compared to the other side? Check to make sure your upper control arm bushing bolts are still in place.

When you installed all the new parts back in '07, did you tighten all the suspension with the car up on jack stands with the suspension drooping? If so, the suspension would have been bound up and now it's finally settling on one side. Leaf springs (and suspension pivot points in general) should be tightened with the weight of the car on the suspension. As Mike pointed out, check for loose bolts and cracked leaf springs.

Good luck and have fun on the Power Tour!