big hoss 98C5

I would Like to thank Rick for all his hard work on my car to get it right. He did a great job slamming it, changing all four shocks to new Z06 shocks, and fixing my torque tube. The car has since received a full detail that took my whole sat and full strip and polish of my 19-20 505's.I think Rick has pics of the car sitting in his shop stance is sick. Thank you again Rick!-Vern

Rick@RKT Performance

It was good working with you also. Here is the slammed pics.

chevy406

In the first post you mention that if a car has vibration in the shifter, this is a good sign that the torque tube couplers need to be replaced... soon. My car has recently developed a vibration around 70 mph and up. I actually noticed it after a recent trip to the dragstrip. It may simply be wheel balance, which I will eliminate first. But my question is, what trouble shooting techniques could help determine torque tube vibration vs wheel balance or CV joint vibration?

Rick@RKT Performance

The wheels/tires can be balanced, CV joints can be inspected but don't usually cause vibration unless it's coming apart. The TT couplers doesn't really have a sign/vibration until its pretty much too late. I recommend taking the driveshaft out of the TT when you have it out and inspect it. If it's never replaced, it might be a good idea to replaced them. They do deteriorate over time more than the mileage.

LoneStarFRC

Rick:
Have you had any experience with any of the poly couplers failing yet or is it too early in their life-cycle? They are a relatively "new" product but they have now been on the market for a couple years and maybe have had time to accumulate mileage/wear/tear. As you know, there are several different companies offering them for sale. Any thoughts as to durability, etc?

Tnx

P.S. Your shop is waaay too clean. The sign of a sick mind.

Rick@RKT Performance

All the DSS poly couplers I have installed haven't had any issues. I haven't personally removed to inspect after miles were put on but they are very nice pieces.

Thanks for the compliment! It's one of those things that I take pride in. I'm as **** as they come and number of my customers won't let anybody else touch their car because of it. LOL.

Eric D

First off the torque tube doesn’t move so it can not cause vibration due to imbalance. However, the propshaft that rotates in the torque tube can cause vibration, but it is not common. If there is something wrong with the propshaft you should get the same vibration by revving the engine up to the same rpm as when cursing at 70 mph with the clutch pedal out and the trans in neutral. If you don’t have the vibration while doing this, it is something other than the propshaft or couplers. You might what to check your half shafts.

Rick, nice shop!!

Rick@RKT Performance

Thanks!!!

I agree that driveshaft inside the TT doesn't all of a sudden go out of balance but if the rubber couplers are falling apart, it will cause vibration issues. Also, free spinning the driveshaft (in neutral) and loading (driving at 70 mph) will have different effect on vibration IMHO.

Eric D

Imbalance is imbalance. It doesn't care about load. That's why an engine with an out of balance flywheel will shake load or unloaded, same thing with an out of balance tire. It doesn't matter if you are accelerating or not (load), if it is out of balance it will shake. With tires it feels the worst when the rpm matches the suspension resonance, but it has little to do with load.

chevy406

Well, technically the torque tube being fixed to both the bellhousing and the transmission does in fact move, along with every other part that is attached to the car. In regard to loaded vs unloaded vibration, if one of the members is flexing it will behave differently under a load. Think about tuning a guitar or piano.

Thanks for your input Rick.

WKMCD

My car should be a pretty good test of the poly bushings...

BTW Rick: You're the only one who has driven the 427 beside Shawn, Ed and I. I only go to the best!

GOTHAM VETTE

Of course I come across this thread hours after Rick casually mentions to me...."have you thought of replacing your bushings while you're in there??"

Kind of hard to ignore this sort of a warning isn't it.

Choreo

Man... that brings back shadows of my last sexual experience!

I did not even think to have my Doctor check my Torque Tube.

Rick@RKT Performance

Only car that I drove that scared me!!!!!

hak

Have you used the Prothane couplers on any Vetts...I am wondering how they compare to the DSS couplers.

Howard

Rick@RKT Performance

I personally have not installed any but from what other members have stated, they work well.

hak

Do I need 10mm or 12mm couplers for a 2002 C5?

ZZOOM06

12mm