Rear suspension hanging up?

[Lownslowlsc]

I'm having some binding in the rear or so it seems. I think it has been like this for a good long while.

97 lsc, slightly shorter t-bird coils w/ Prothane upper/lower isolators, Monroe 5950 shocks, SC sway bar.

When compressing the rear suspension (Open trunk, stand on trunk hinge area) it appears that the passenger side is a lot firmer than the drivers side, It rocks unevenly. It is the same side that has always been 1/4-1/2 higher than the drivers side rear.

Some questions-

Is the washer in between the shock and lca absolutely necessary? The right side is missing it.

I've always firmed up the end links while the car has be suspended in the air, I've found that to be the improper way and plan on doing it correctly later today while it's on ramps. Both sides where done this way.

Would either of those things cause it to bind up on the pass side? If not what else could it be?

Lastly, are the Energy Suspension 9.8149R end links the correct type for a lowered mark? Anyone have experience with them?

 

[chris2523]

do you have a frozen shock?

 

[billcu]

do you have a frozen shock?

I had one of those before, and I think I might have another one on my black Mark now.

 

[Lownslowlsc]

Shocks are brand new and I'm almost certain it was happening before as well. I'm just paying super close attention to the rear because I've been working on it so much lately.

Sounds weird, but would the decrease in travel on the passenger side be due to the full tank of gas?

I did play with the end links and they had no effect on the ride height or firmness of the susp travel.

 

[Lownslowlsc]

do you have a frozen shock?

Ding Ding Ding!!

Sure nuff is was frozen, luckily I kept my old rusty 5965 to throw in there for the mean time. Thank for mentioning that as I would've never expected a new shock to seize up so soon or at all.

Hopefully the seller will make it right.

 

[Lvnmarks]

Ding Ding Ding!!

Sure nuff is was frozen, luckily I kept my old rusty 5965 to throw in there for the mean time. Thank for mentioning that as I would've never expected a new shock to seize up so soon or at all.

Hopefully the seller will make it right.

I have spent many hours troubleshooting before I finally realized that yes, even new parts are bad right away. Now I start with the last thing I messed with and go from there, that’s made life much easier.

Glad you got her fixed (sortta), maybe time for some Cobra shocks.

 

[Lownslowlsc]

I have spent many hours troubleshooting before I finally realized that yes, even new parts are bad right away. Now I start with the last thing I messed with and go from there, that’s made life much easier.

Glad you got her fixed (sortta), maybe time for some Cobra shocks.

Well the thing was that I also installed a pair t-bird rear springs I cut to fix a broken rear spring from the lowered kit the same week I installed the shocks. I wasn't sure what was to blame but am glad it's the shock. It was also the cause of the noise I was hearing, I initially thought it was just the old rear suspension moaning and groaning. .

Even with the 5965 in place of the 5950 it rides like it's supposed too. Good to know the springs weren't the cause of the ride issues.

Seller made it right and I should have the new shock on Monday.