Stewart's74

My 74 is now sitting on all 4 wheels for the first time in 20 months. (yeah I know, It deserves a round of applause).
Anyway, the rear tires are not alligned properly. The top of the tire is too far in compared to the bottom, ant the front of the tire is farther out than the rear.
I have recently replaced every bit of rear suspension and have adjustable struts.
I know I wont get it perfect since the engine, tranny and interior are not in the car yet but I would like it to at least look a little more normal.
Here's what I think has to be done.
Since the bottom of the tire is out further than the top I think I have to shorten the strut.
And since the front of the tire is out further than the rear I think I need to put more shims on the outboard side of the T-arm.
Sound OK?
:confused: :confused: :confused:

verskel

For you're 'camber' shortening the strut rod is correct. :yesnod:

Not sure about which way on the shims....but it sounds like yours is towed-out too far.... ;)

burners

Yes, you have it right. Use a tape measure to check toe. Pick a spot to measure from one tire to the other, both front and back. As for camber, just adjust the eccentrics at the third member.

gerry72

Here's a site that has just about anything you would or could know about a car. http://members.aol.com/carleyware/library/library.html

Larry B.

Check it out http://www.familycar.com/alignment.htm

Stewart's74

OK Here's the scenario after visiting some of the above posted sites. My rear tires are suffering from Negative Camber and Toe out.
At least I can now talk the talk.
Now, how the hell do I fix the car?

Larry B.

OK... let's start with camber... That is adjusted by an eccentric cam on the inboard end of the strut rods. Look at the shocks lower attach point. The strut is just rear of the shock. The other end is attached to a plate, Loosen the thruogh bolt ( with the car jacked up) turn the cam to adjust camber. Tighten.. Toe is adjusted by shims at the front of the trailing arm. You really need to take it to an alignment place that knows what they are doing, which takes a little searching these days.


[Modified by silvervetteman, 4:22 PM 5/8/2002]

Brian Madderom

I wouldn't mess with it until you get all the weight on the frame. You'll have to do it twice. I would just wait and take it to the alignment shop when it's done. :yesnod:

Larry B.

Yea... you have to do it a few times to get it right. Put greased plates under the rear wheels.. Then you can do it with the wieght on the wheels.