Rear Suspension Slop

**Luscombe1940** · #1 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 06:57 PM

Hi Everyone,

I have finally started to work on my 79 Spider. I go it a month ago. It has not run in a couple of years. I am working my way through the fuel and electrical systems before I even try to start it.

Tonight I was under the back end scoping out the fuel filter and noticed what looks like a lot of slop in the sway bar end fitting I think. I attached a photo of the left side. The same condition exists on the right side as well Is this normal?

What is the fix?

I intend to go through the suspension system eventually. Do I need to move this up on my priorities?

Thanks in advance.

Gary

**Luscombe1940** · #2 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 07:01 PM

Photos attached

rafael · #3 (**permalink**) 07-08-2008, 03:08 PM

you can get some poly o-rings that you can cut, insert and glue together to fix this. A well located sway bar is key to avoid a steering rear axle.

barbone105 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 11:14 AM

hard to tell from your pics, but i believe you are talking about the trunnion arm. they are held in place by bushings pressed into the cylindrical cups w 3 bolts on each end. when correctly installed (and these appear to be so
(originals on the car), there is small gap that is filled with a thrust washer - keeps side to side motion to a minimum. the oem pieces disintegrate fairly quickly -which leaves lots of room for side to side movement of the car over the rear suspension. this can be thrilling, but really, not a good thing.
believe the oem piece is no longer available. as rafael says,can buy a poly piece to replace. will last forever. is simple and inexpensive to do, i'd move it up on the schedule.
andy