Help! I just looked at a really nice '95 Z convertible I want to purchase, an adult-owned automatic in great shape and ran well, but when I gave it more than part throttle at low speeds (with three people aboard), there was a major bang against the underside of the floor as if the rear axle had just broken a control arm. I've been in a couple of Zs before that didn't do that with a load of passengers, and I'm wondering if the center "traction bar/beam" thing that bolts from the trans to the rear axle might be loose, or is it possible that a broken engine or trans mount might cause one of the the items crammed into the center tunnel ----- drive-shaft, exhaust, and traction bar/beam --- to hit the tunnel...??? Or could it simply be a broken u-joint or exhaust mount...??? Any thing you guys can tell me would be greatly appreciated --- I really want to buy this car, and it is a great price. It's the car I've dreamed of for years, but could never afford until now. Oh, and if you can give me any other ideas of what to look for when inspecting a 90,000-mile convertible, let me know...

One other thing... the front suspension tracked well, but also felt very loose when hitting bumps. Is this normal for a convertible, or has this car been beat on...???

 

Thanks for the fast reply and info, Tainted. Do you think a broken tranny mount is common, or a sign that he beat the crap out of this car...?

 

When I had a clunk under acceleration, it was the exhaust hitting up under the chassis due to a weak motor mount. Probalby not out of the realm with an 11 year old car.

 

Not necessarly the mounts, you could also be loseing a gear and its bumping when it finally does catch that gear

 

Check the trans mount and the torquearm bushing. Both are common on F-bodies.

 

Transmission mount then torque arm bushing

 

The consensus is in. Thanks-guys... if this guy gets this thing repaired next week, I may soon be an actual owner in this group instead of just a fan -- and then the mods can start. In the meantime, I plan on driving a few more L.A.-area f-body convertibles to see if the rest of the car feels "normal".