Rear end gone wild

[AmericanMetal]

I hope someone can help me tame it! :) Whenever my car takes off suddenly, the back end gets loose and swings to the left. So I have to get off the gas to bring it back under control, lose precious time and look like an insane hilbilly. What's up with that?

I haven't done anything at all to the suspension. The heaviest thing I've added is a sub enclosure, but it's in the center of the trunk, not to one side. The tires have been rotated and balanced. Do I need upper & lower control arms or an anti-sway bar?

[yosemiddysam]

Lake wood makes a real nice traction bar for ours. I run it on mine. It replaces your stock lower control arm. I highly reccommend them.

[StarDriver]

You have a major problem, you may have ripped your torque boxes loose. A car will always go to the right because of how torque is applied to the rearend.

[AmericanMetal]

Thanks, yosemmidy sam, I will definitely put that next on my list then. StarDriver, boy-o-boy would I be in hot water if that's the case - back when the clutch bit the dust, it took months for hubby to stop giving me the evil eye even though I helped pay for the damages. :D

[91GT347]

I would definately get some control arms. If you didn't rip your torque boxes loose,it's a good idea to weld them up better than they are. A reinforcement kit is a good idea but in my opinion, overkill if you dont need it. Ive seen 10 second cars last years with nothing more than a better weld job.If one is ripped it may be your only option though. If it's bad.

[AmericanMetal]

Thanks, 91GT - it's never been great at cornering but could at least haul ass in a straight line and now even that's not a given.

I passed a geezer who was going 10 mph in a rattly pickup. Just after I got by him, the back end got a little bit sideways. He was probably laughing at the "hot rodding whippersnapper who hasn't learned to drive." I was only going about 30 when it happened, getting back in the lane. I had floored it from almost a full stop and that's why it happened... just going 30 by itself doesn't cause it.

Same thing when someone wanted to see a peel out. No burnt rubber - just that annoying rear-end swing to the left... I had to slow down to regain control.

These tires aren't the stickiest either though; they're actually kinda hard... since they're not racing slicks or even drag radials, I hope maybe my torque boxes have survived?

Come on, hurry up next pay period!! Now I can't wait to get control arms. ;)

[PONY GUY]

well If the boxes ripped off you would here it everytime your rear suspension flexed.
check you tire pressure if one more thant the other it cause the car to got to the side with more traction . I would get it up on a lift inspect the tourqe boxes if they are all good a would then but a set of upper and lower control arm . then in the future I would also lookint a anti roll bar set up also

[cdog02mustgt]

mine did that once. It was a blown shock. Blew it out at the track. after i replaced it, it was fine.

[cnews85]

I know the feeling my 85 did that and it was just a right rear lower control arm bolt that was loose. Check your control arms upper's, lower's and shock bolts to make sure there tight. Make sure as mentioned the shocks are not leaking maybe even the tire pressure too. Worst case the torque may have some broken welds. Start with the easy stuff first but it should be pretty inexpensive for a good shop to weld the box or install one of the many upgrades to this area.
Godd Luck!

[AmericanMetal]

Thanks guys, I am going to get back to the shop soon to see if anything's torn up. Now that you mention shocks... my passenger last night about tossed his cookies when the car flew over a bump Dukes of Hazzard-style. "It's not a luxury car - it's a sports car," I replied to the complaints of a rough ride.