I believe I have a squeaking bushing issue in the rear, which is not all that surprising. Both the spring plates and sway bar are on the originals I believe.
I have ruled out the squeak being in the interior as I completely removed the interior as part of a restoration (new carpets, re-dyed leather etc.) and even with all the panels etc. out, the squeaking persists. Here are my questions that I have been unable to answer through searching:
1) When I bounce any of the four corners up and down, with the car parked in the garage, I cannot hear squeaking… Is it possible that suspension bushings can squeak on the road, but not while stationary? I am surprised, and a little concerned that I cannot hear anything…
2) When I bounce the rear of the car vigorously (by putting most of my 180 pounds on the rear bumper pads) I can hear (and feel) an audible “clunk”. Could this be my torsion bar cap hitting the bushing cover? Or is there a more likely culprit.
FWIW, this is my torsion cap/bushing cover on the passenger side. Close, but still some clearance. On the other side, it appears there is no clearance…
I appreciate everyone taking the time to look at my questions, thanks!
P.S. I intend to do a complete suspension overhaul (bushings, tie rods, ball joints etc) but hope to defer it to the winter as I have spent a huge amount this year on other things. What I am trying to do is identify what is causing my noises and evaluate whether it is even OK to live with it for the summer.