Camber/Caster Adjustments

[RetiredTop]

Need some help in educating my local shop. Took my beast in to get an alignment done after rebuilding the front end (new bushings and tie rods). Before doing this, we had lowered the front end considerably.

I got a call that the car was done and went to get it. The mechanic on duty said they were able to align the toe but that a part was missing in order to do the camber/caster. I did some searching and was told that because the car was lowered so far, the adjustment was not possible.

There are no parts missing but I dang sure need to get the camber taken care of or I will wear the front tires out real quick. Any education on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

 

[silversedan]

take the car back an make them show you what is supposedly missing, take a shop manual for the car with you.

 

[RetiredTop]

Thanks. I still need to get a good manual! Was hoping that someone had had similar issues before.

 

[silversedan]

if it's the car in you signature, the caster and camber are adjusted with slots in the upper control arm bracket, maybe they don't know how to do it?

 

[red72]

Try www.mymopar.com and look under tools/reference. I think you can get the service manual for a '73. '74 should be the same or close.

 

[miller]

Took my beast in to get an alignment done after rebuilding the front end (new bushings and tie rods). Before doing this, we had lowered the front end considerably.

Do you by any chance have a service manual? 'Lowered the front end considerably'? Doing an alignment on one of these things, ride height is the first thing you set, since that affects all other adjustments. Up to you, but trying to get the ride height too low, throws everything else off.
To set it, be sure same amount of air pressure in the front tires. Measure from the ground, to the lower edge of the lower ball joint, on each front wheel. Write the number down. Just going to use round numbers, but say ride height setting is 1 5/8"- 2 1/8", depending on engine size, and such. Whichever 'height' you use, add that amount to the measured amount, lower ball joint to ground.
The total you get is the ride height you 'should' have for the car. It's adjusted by turning the adjusting bolt inside the LCA, measuring ground to the LCA pivot arm, where the LCA mounts. Measure from ground to the bottom edge of the pivot. Book also will tell you, from side to side, no more than 1/8" difference.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Most new cars that's all that is adjustable. Maybe you need to find a new shop.