Jacking Vixen S2

[Buster44]

Currently doing a mechanical restoration on a Vixen S2 (body, frame and interior in good condition after nut & bolt resto in mid 90's).

Jacked the off-side rear end on the chassis in front of the rear wheels in order to work on the rear brakes, and heard a loud 'pop' coming from the rear of the car. First thought was sh*t I've cracked the frame, but I can find no damage at all and the frame is in good condition having been previously sandblasted and restored.

Same thing happened when I jacked the opposite side, although not as loud.

I'm no mechanical numptie having always worked on my own cars including comprehensive rebuilds, but this has me stumpted and I want to make sure I haven't damaged something.

Anyone else experienced something similar?

[daza]

Could have been the body rubbing on the chassis and releasing itself?

Darren

[adrian@]

There is the possiblity that the driveshaft would do this, and by dropping the wheel into full droop the suction within the 2 parts of the male and female splined joint can hold the shaft together and POP the wheel drops to it's full droop position.
Adrian@

[Buster44]

Thanks chaps - that's a bit more reassuring.

Was also wondering whether the new AVO shocks might have done this when compressed for the first time?

[adrian@]

Now you say, what part number Avo....there is point where if the shock can extend too far, this over centres the UJ and breaks the pin rollers inside....this happens on cars with the Triumph diff because it is placed so high in the chassis (the over centre angle is 12 degrees) the open lenght of the shocker allows this to happen (with the body weight on the car you would rarely get to this point,unles it was a large pothole or flying!) Adrian@

Edited by adrian@ on Friday 2nd March 13:32

[Buster44]

Don't know the part number, but it's the adjustable ride height & dampening kit sold by David Gerald Sportscars. Shocks were shorter (even on their highest ride height) than the std kit that came off.

How do I tell if it is this?

[adrian@]

I could do with the numbers off the shocker and colour (becuase the spec. of the AVO shocker has changed but retained the same number but is different in lenght), then I will know the free lenght.
Adrian@...

[Buster44]

Hi Adrian,

Shock bodies are black with red adjusters (10 clicks) and red bushes.
Part number on box is PD418 and stamped on base of shock is 418.
Car is currently on axle stands with wheels off (wheels being refurbed) - from centre of upper shock mounting bolt to centre of lower shock mounting bolt with full droop measures approx 400mm.

Thanks for the assistance.

[adrian@]

Simon, give me a call, whilst your car is on jack and I will talk through what you need to check this is OK.
......Just as a follow up I've asked Chris to check that the driveshafts are rotating freely whilst in full droop.
Adrian@

Edited by adrian@ on Monday 5th March 13:19

[Buster44]

Adrian, thanks very much for the help.

Reassuring that it now looks like it was driveshaft suction as you first suspected.