496BBC
Well-known member
I've done the alignment on my car the last couple times its needed it.
I changed the ride height on the rear and its been raining with rain forecasted for the next few days so I decided to set it up and check all aspects of alignment on my car.
Took my time and located the frame center-line to work off of for my reference strings along each side. Once I got the strings parallel to the center-line I started pulling measurements. I took the frame dimension sheet in the download section and used it to locate center-line reference points along with using the frame rails. Its not as technical as the machines that the alignment shops have but I feel its very close.
One thing I noticed was the toe for the rear was 1/16" on the passenger side and a little over 3/16" on the drivers side.
When I installed the R&P I made sure to install and set it up with the steering wheel centered but once on the road it was a little off center (should have started looking for something then).
I stumbled onto an article on thrust angle that described the effect that I think I am seeing (the rear tires were not pointed in the same line as the center-line of the car).
I was lucky enough that the TA bolts were not frozen and the shims were fairly easy to remove and install. I was able to get the rear toe set at 1/16" equal on both sides. At the front I set toe to 1/32" on each side per the VB&P suggestions. I also centered the steering wheel so I can see if this will correct my steering wheel being off center.
I set the rear camber at 0* per VB&P and the front is next on my list to adjust to 0* or maybe 1/4* negative.
I think I'm going to bring it to a local shop to set the caster, I'm not sure I have the equipment to measure the caster good enough to get it the same on both sides. I'll see when I get through with the camber if I want to tackle the caster and see just how close I can get it.
Neal
I changed the ride height on the rear and its been raining with rain forecasted for the next few days so I decided to set it up and check all aspects of alignment on my car.
Took my time and located the frame center-line to work off of for my reference strings along each side. Once I got the strings parallel to the center-line I started pulling measurements. I took the frame dimension sheet in the download section and used it to locate center-line reference points along with using the frame rails. Its not as technical as the machines that the alignment shops have but I feel its very close.
One thing I noticed was the toe for the rear was 1/16" on the passenger side and a little over 3/16" on the drivers side.
When I installed the R&P I made sure to install and set it up with the steering wheel centered but once on the road it was a little off center (should have started looking for something then).
I stumbled onto an article on thrust angle that described the effect that I think I am seeing (the rear tires were not pointed in the same line as the center-line of the car).
I was lucky enough that the TA bolts were not frozen and the shims were fairly easy to remove and install. I was able to get the rear toe set at 1/16" equal on both sides. At the front I set toe to 1/32" on each side per the VB&P suggestions. I also centered the steering wheel so I can see if this will correct my steering wheel being off center.
I set the rear camber at 0* per VB&P and the front is next on my list to adjust to 0* or maybe 1/4* negative.
I think I'm going to bring it to a local shop to set the caster, I'm not sure I have the equipment to measure the caster good enough to get it the same on both sides. I'll see when I get through with the camber if I want to tackle the caster and see just how close I can get it.
Neal