D2 Rear End Getting Sloppy

[geoff]

The handling of our '04 D2 is getting noticeably awkward. The rear axle seems to be moving around laterally too much. Time for maintenance.

I would suspect the bushings have had it. Would you guys recommend replacing all of them:

- Rear panhard bar (first)
- trailing arms

Or just the panhard bar?

Standard Genuine replacements or polys?

Also the up/down suspension travel appears to be undamped and is mushy. A couple of people in the back seat and the tail drops an inch or so. I have had Bilsteins on since 4K miles. Should I replace the rear springs and shocks? How long have the rear springs lasted for you?

The truck has 121K miles and is used for mostly street driving these days. My 16 year old will be driving it as well and need the handling to be predictable.

 

[DiscoPhoto]

If you're truck is stock then you don't have a rear panhard rod, but you should because it's awesome compared to the watts linkage.

Have someone push the side of your truck when you're looking at the watts linkage and see if it has extra play.

 

[geoff]

Thanks for the correction as to having a watts linkage. $280 for a bushing kit sheesh.

 

[DiscoPhoto]

Or $175 for the panhard kit... http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/PANKIT.html

 

[geoff]

I found your post on the panhard rod conversion. Probably overkill for us since we use the truck more for towing and utility so the stock articulation is fine. I will test the watts linkage bushings tonight when I get home.

 

[acamato]

This is where I got my Watts bushings: http://britishparts.co.uk/products/7206-bush-kit-watts-linkage-RGX100960KIT
£70 ($115) + shipping,

Delivery was £20.60 ($34) for my order (I also ordered an ACE filter and and propshaft nuts). I was shocked that it was delivered the day after I ordered it.

 

[Bosbefok]

Check that the watts linkage is installed correctly. A friend's D2 was swinging its ass all over and when we checked the watts linkage was installed wrong. I can't remember the details, but installing it correctly made a world of difference.

 

[geoff]

Thanks for the tips guys the watts linkage has little movement but I will go over it this weekend some more. Could be the rear shocks as there doesn't feel like there is any damping for the first inch or two. So many issues at this mileage (122K). I at least got the headliner out of the way last weekend.