Not getting correct alignment results.
5th Gear Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,106
From:
I learned enough in HIGH SCHOOL auto class, and remember enough from nearly 30 years ago that I could have aligned the car better in my driveway than these shops did with all of their equipment.
ALL an alignment shop needs to do is to bring the adjustable strut rod to STOCK length, and then set the caster and camber using the TOP control arm adjustment ONLY.
After this is done, the way the wheels fit in the wheel opening can be FINE TUNED with the adjustable strut rod, and then the alignment done again on the UCA.
The ADJUSTABLE STRUT ROD should not be used to align the car, it is mostly used for the benefit of getting the wheel where you need it in the wheel opening. This is the error that the shops keep making.
ALL an alignment shop needs to do is to bring the adjustable strut rod to STOCK length, and then set the caster and camber using the TOP control arm adjustment ONLY.
After this is done, the way the wheels fit in the wheel opening can be FINE TUNED with the adjustable strut rod, and then the alignment done again on the UCA.
The ADJUSTABLE STRUT ROD should not be used to align the car, it is mostly used for the benefit of getting the wheel where you need it in the wheel opening. This is the error that the shops keep making.
6th Gear Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,635
From: state of confusion
So another thing I forgot to mention was the first shop that tried aligning it said to get the adjustable strut rods in the first place because he said he could not attain the +2 degrees of caster I was seeking. So like everyone is saying, maybe these guys don't know what they're doing.... I have looked at some of the Fastrax caster gauges and have thought about doing it myself, but I would rather have someone who specializes in older suspensions to do it....
Keep in mind that 1960's alignment specs might not be optimum for either radial tires, wider tires and wheels, or harder driving. Then again, when you can DIY your alignments, you never have to argue about getting the settings made.
Norm
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15
From: CA
Thank you everyone for all the helpful posts. I am having a guy who has been aligning cars for 40 years take a look at it. He will be able to tell me if its just an alignment problem or an actual frame issue. I will keep you guys posted!
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15
From: CA
So I just got my car aligned properly with no problems what so ever, the people here in my little town just didn't know what the hell they were doing.... I'm glad that is all is was. Thanks for all the help guys!
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 446
From: AL
glad to hear you got everything actin right. What adjustments did you end up having to make?
6th Gear Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,232
From: PA
The key is most shops today are clueless how to do a car that needs shims. Only the geezers and old car nutz know how. Usually the Mustang club in your area will know where to go.
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