TX67RT
Well-Known Member
I pulled the rear differential/suspension assembly out of my 67 R/T last weekend for some quick detailing and parts replacement. I ended up breaking off 3 of the 4 shackle studs in the process, but no worries; Mopar Performance makes stock replacements.
Upon getting the rear assembly out of the car, I noticed that the LH spring hanger is badly deformed on the top. After some thought, I determined that it must have happened at the assembly plant before it went into the car since there's no way that anything could have happened to the top of the hanger while installed in the car. Also, there is no sheet metal damage local to the spring hanger, and the factory undercoating is not disturbed.
I purchased the car from the original elderly owner in 1982, and it has never been apart before I pulled it out last weekend. To me, this indicates that the hanger was indeed damaged pre-installation; possibly by another differential assembly falling on it during unloading or handling in the plant. It must have been deemed "good enough" to go ahead and install in my car.
I wouldn't normally be terribly worried about this. In fact, I think it adds interest and character to the car. But, it looks like in addition to the damage to the top of the bracket, it is slightly "tweaked" inboard. In other words, it might be locating the spring a bit towards the center of the vehicle. Therefore, I'm considering replacing the bracket with a new one, or at least a good used part.
Three questions:
1. Where can I purchase a new replacement bracket that is identical to the original?
2. Is there anyone out there who has a good used bracket that I can purchase?
3. Am I worrying too much about using the original bracket? After all, it's been that way since 1967, and hasn't caused any issues.
Any input is appreciated.
Cheers!
JD
Upon getting the rear assembly out of the car, I noticed that the LH spring hanger is badly deformed on the top. After some thought, I determined that it must have happened at the assembly plant before it went into the car since there's no way that anything could have happened to the top of the hanger while installed in the car. Also, there is no sheet metal damage local to the spring hanger, and the factory undercoating is not disturbed.
I purchased the car from the original elderly owner in 1982, and it has never been apart before I pulled it out last weekend. To me, this indicates that the hanger was indeed damaged pre-installation; possibly by another differential assembly falling on it during unloading or handling in the plant. It must have been deemed "good enough" to go ahead and install in my car.
I wouldn't normally be terribly worried about this. In fact, I think it adds interest and character to the car. But, it looks like in addition to the damage to the top of the bracket, it is slightly "tweaked" inboard. In other words, it might be locating the spring a bit towards the center of the vehicle. Therefore, I'm considering replacing the bracket with a new one, or at least a good used part.
Three questions:
1. Where can I purchase a new replacement bracket that is identical to the original?
2. Is there anyone out there who has a good used bracket that I can purchase?
3. Am I worrying too much about using the original bracket? After all, it's been that way since 1967, and hasn't caused any issues.
Any input is appreciated.
Cheers!
JD
