|
|
Post by lmdc18 on Aug 17, 2011 15:41:06 GMT -5
does any one have tips on what to do to gremlins
|
|
|
|
Post by C4 on Aug 17, 2011 15:56:32 GMT -5
3 biggest things I've learned with mine...
Replace the rag joint with a u-joint....they will bend right behing the steering gear & rip that rag right right out. I don't know when or if they switched to rack & pinion. U-joint off an Astro van column has the right splines to mate to the Gremlin box.
Chain the humps. There is a fairly stiff plate under the floor right above the rear axles that works well for it.
If you can do it....weld the lower core support to the frame, or it will rip out.
|
|
|
|
Post by lilbutchusmc on Aug 17, 2011 20:09:53 GMT -5
Replace ball joints and rearends. 70-73 have junk bumpers 74-76 are the years to get, AMC made them in 77-78 but they're smaller.
|
|
|
|
Post by lmdc18 on Aug 22, 2011 12:10:14 GMT -5
mines a 78 thanks for the tips and should i run i vary strong 2.3 i have or a 4.3 i have
|
|
|
|
Post by lmdc18 on Aug 22, 2011 12:33:29 GMT -5
should i put a rack and pinion on it i have one that is right size or should i leave gear box?
|
|
|
|
Post by C4 on Aug 22, 2011 12:53:24 GMT -5
The gear box should be fine....just replace the rag joint with a u-joint
|
|
|
|
Post by horse401 on Aug 22, 2011 14:17:58 GMT -5
ive never built one but a guy has brought the same one two years in a row to our fair and cleaned house....he runs a 4.3 with a 350 trans slip shaft and 9" ford rear end.....a sub frame fwd 4 cyl has little to no chance of beating it....
|
|
|
|
Post by lmdc18 on Aug 22, 2011 14:24:07 GMT -5
Ok cool thanks for the help
|
|
|
|
Post by lilbutchusmc on Aug 22, 2011 15:41:49 GMT -5
C4 is right. Definitely replace rag joint. If you're allowed on your 78, I'd see if you're allowed to swap the front bumper shocks out with something bigger. If you notice they are the size of a broom stick in diameter compared to a beer can on the 74-76. Even seen guys take the back straps and shocks off 74-76 GM sedans work real good.
|
|
|
|
Post by frazier#61 on Aug 22, 2011 21:36:38 GMT -5
do you build these just like a pacer or?
|
|
|
|
Post by C4 on Aug 22, 2011 22:19:56 GMT -5
They are completely different animals, but can be built to contend with them.
|
|
|
|
Post by lmdc18 on Aug 23, 2011 11:03:13 GMT -5
So the nose r strong on them the back don't look to strong
|
|
|
|
Post by derbyhunter5 on Aug 23, 2011 14:29:56 GMT -5
I have a 74 w a 1 st n 2 nd place on it. The back rolled up and I lost the bumper the first go but welded it back on and the front is bent up now. I will try to put some pics on here. The a arms are the weakest I think.
|
|
|
|
Post by lilbutchusmc on Aug 23, 2011 20:28:08 GMT -5
I don't use anything but the nose with these things. but I don't drive like a retard either. just aim for tires and your car won't break. With the front suspension welded up you'll be bending/breaking tie rods, A arms, rear ends when you hit people.
|
|
|
|
Post by lilbutchusmc on Aug 23, 2011 20:34:25 GMT -5
Almost forgot. Just finished with building my 75 I'll see if I can take some pics tomorrow before I get it painted.
|
|
