Can somebody please help!
I have a 79 Z28 which I removed the rearend to strip and paint, Ive replaced all the bushings, pads, new springs... everything.
When I got everything bolted up I noticed my drive shaft was not centerd with the drive shaft loop. I measured the center of the differential to the outside frame rails and the right side is over about 1/2" further than the right.
Is there some kind of alignment or steps in tightning the springs to exactly center the rear end?
Somebody please help.

 

i think you are in a bit of a pickle[sm=chairshot.gif] i chose that smiliebecause i thought it was funny

 

Im not sure but I think the Right side axle is shorter than the left which would explain your situation. Look at the springs with suspention hanging see if the springs are hanging straight or if they are bowed out to the side. Look to see if the bushings are properly installed in the frame and the rear shackles are'nt bent. If all this checks out, and the front end is alighnable, take it to the alighnment shop and get the thrust angle checked If they have a Hunter DSP 4000 like mine they can read the thrust angle. if its more than about 0.6-0.7 degrees. you may have a problem, 0.6 or less than that I would'nt worry bout it if the car drives good. A tip on installing springs; If you hav'nt done so already antisieze all spring shackle and eye bolts. If you used urethane bushings dont crank the bolts till they stop, thats to tight and it locks up the bushing making the sus. stiff. use locknuts and just tighten fairly snug you may still be able to turn the bolt when your done.

 

Rather than checking the distance from the differential to the frame rails, check from the inside of the wheel rim to the frame rails. I am not sure about your rear end, but sometimes they are built with the diggerential shifted to one side.

 

Thanks for the all the info guys. I managed to get within 3/8 of an inch. I checked the measurment of my tranny tail and it to is over about the same amount. I think I just panicked!!![]

 

I was working on the truck and I just happen to look over at the rear of my Z and noticed that my left rear tire sticks out about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch more than the right, so that must be normal, when I checked the alighnment at the shop the thrust angle was only -0.47deg. and the car drives great. I dont think you have a problem.