3 The Nova's subframes end at the rear axle, but the spring crossmember relies on a continuous arch. The plates Speed Tech supplies weld in place but require no cutting.3 The Nova's subframes end at the rear axle, but the spring crossmember relies on a conti 4 Foster bolted the coilover dampers to the crossmember prior to lifting it into place. Though entirely possible to install the dampers after the crossmember mounts to the chassis, he explained that the confined space under the car makes it a bit tougher.4 Foster bolted the coilover dampers to the crossmember prior to lifting it into place. T 5 Like the plates, the spring crossmember location corresponds with existing chassis holes. It too welds in place, but its installation concludes the extent of the welding.5 Like the plates, the spring crossmember location corresponds with existing chassis hole 6 The torque arm mounts to the axle in two locations, once at a billet aluminum pinion mount and again to tabs welded to the back of the housing. The baseline kit includes the tabs and brackets for 12-bolt and 9-inch housings, but Speed Tech's optional Strange Engineering OEM- and fabricated-style housings (shown) come fully prepared.6 The torque arm mounts to the axle in two locations, once at a billet aluminum pinion mo 7 This Delrin bushing bolts on the end of Speed Tech's torque arm. It eliminates deflection yet its shape lets it tilt, slide, and rotate freely within the sleeve.7 This Delrin bushing bolts on the end of Speed Tech's torque arm. It eliminates deflecti 8 Rather than into a bushing that bolts to the tailshaft, the Speed Tech torque arm slips into a sleeve in the middle of the center crossmember. That, in turn, bolts to the subframe's pickup points.8 Rather than into a bushing that bolts to the tailshaft, the Speed Tech torque arm slips 9 The torque-arm bushing slides right into the crossmember boss but only once the axle is on a close enough plane. Roger and Blake jacked the axle into place while Gary Yorston guided the forward end in place.9 The torque-arm bushing slides right into the crossmember boss but only once the axle is 10 For the time being, Foster hung the axle on the dampers. As future alignments require removing the dampers, he tightened their fasteners just enough to prevent them from falling out.10 For the time being, Foster hung the axle on the dampers. As future alignments require 11 With the axle in place, the links can be pinned to the axle. As with the dampers, their fasteners were kept intentionally loose for future adjustments.11 With the axle in place, the links can be pinned to the axle. As with the dampers, thei 12 To set alignment, Blake removed the coilovers and jacked the axle up to ride height. He centered the wheel in the housing before setting the final alignment.12 To set alignment, Blake removed the coilovers and jacked the axle up to ride height. H 13 With the axle at ride height, Blake then measured the pinion angle. Set the pinion angle to the inverse of the tailshaft's angle. For example, if the tailshaft points down 3 degrees, the pinion should point up by the same amount. Any deviation beyond about half a degree will induce vibration.13 With the axle at ride height, Blake then measured the pinion angle. Set the pinion ang 14 Speed Tech designed the torque arm to set the pinion angle inverse to the stock drivetrain angle. The angle is adjustable for those non-matching exceptions; simply slip washers between the arm and pinion block to rotate the axle back and increase pinion angle.14 Speed Tech designed the torque arm to set the pinion angle inverse to the stock drivet 15 After replacing the springs, Blake installed the Panhard rod. Its initial location isn't critical, but its bearings must thread into the rod equally if it's to retain its full range of adjustment.15 After replacing the springs, Blake installed the Panhard rod. Its initial location isn 16 Measuring with a square and tape, Blake set the axle's lateral position by rotating the Panhard rod. Left- and right-hand threads at its ends means the Panhard rod expands or contracts when rotated. Once satisfied, he snugged the fasteners and re-checked.16 Measuring with a square and tape, Blake set the axle's lateral position by rotating th 17 The kit's adjustability means the wheels will align despite chassis deviations; the strength of its components means those wheels will stay put, even under extreme conditions.17 The kit's adjustability means the wheels will align despite chassis deviations; the st SOURCES Speed Tech Performance N/A 888-467-1625 www.speedtech-performance.com « | 1 | 2 | View Full Article By Chris Shelton Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
