I had some work done on my front suspension, added a WS6 steering box, improved bushings and some other stuff and now want an alignment. Problem: Between the Eibach springs/shocks, Hotchkis front and back bars, etc, etc, that has my car lowered by 1.5" and the design of the 1968 rear wheel openings they are unable to use a 4 wheel alignment machine. They need to put the meters on the wheels and then roll the wheels back... Everywhere I call only has 4 wheel alignment machines these days... Any great solutions ? Thanks in advance.
I'd keep looking for a front end shop that has a clue or has some older equipment. Just one idea, the rear of the car could be raised for the alignment. There's more than one way to skin a cat. Some people refuse to do anything that isn't in the book.
Yes they can raise the car up and compensate the wheels that way. Alittle more work but I do it on occasion when necessary.
I suggested lifting the rear to the alignment technician, who owns a 1972 Pontiac Lemans coupe with a BBP455, however he felt the angles would be wrong. I will make more calls tomorrow morning and see what gives...
raising the rear will take a little caster out. If you measure how much, you can set it up with that much less caster. When you drop the rear to ride height, the caster is where you wanted it. I wouldn't bother though because it's hard to get a lot of caster in the A-body to start with because it wasn't designed to run a lot. Unless you're running bias-ply tires, you really end up just putting in all the caster you can. You won't be able to put too much in.
Remember the alignment was designed with a full tank of gas and spare and you would like to compensate for your body. Im having mine done this week. Cam Drivers side 0 to 1/8 positive Maximum Passenger 1/4 positive Caster As far positive with 1/2 degree split...meaning Pass all positive you can go and drivers side 1/2 degree neg from that. 1/4 to 3/8 tow Now that is old school from a mechanic back in the day. The 69 book is just about boring. Ill post what they do to mine from an old school alignment shop next week. Ive inquired about the use of the offset shaft to create a closer negative roll system without changing the spindles. We'll see what he says.
