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Alignment: Tire wear vs Driveability

I have a 68 and 72 manual and have done front alignment for Chrysler before. Do not know what manuals you are looking at?
 
The whole front end needs checked out by a competent alignment shop. If you were up here I'd know right where to send you, down there, I don't know. If you don't know a good shop in your area, go to the NAPA part store in your area and ask the oldest counterman in the place where the best alignment shop is. They usually know and don't have any reason to steer you wrong (get the pun?). As a rule I usually advise people to not go to a chain shop or tire store for this kind of work. JMHO.
 
miller said:
Yup!
If you can't find one, it's not that hard to do it yourself.

Here's some numbers I think are right...

View attachment 220085
Click to expand...

I'm getting my Coronet aligned Monday (11-10-14) at Merle's Frame and Alignment on S Shields in OKC (for you guys in Oklahoma).

I got that chart from Ehrenberg at Mopar Action and plan to use the Typ Perf Street specs. I'll post a report later.
 
^^^ You are both partly right, at least in 1962. The caster is different but the camber and toe-in are the same for manual and power steering.
 
68 to 72 camber and toe were the same caster different. Just missed the line in the manuals. Guess I should be looking at them while fully awake. And yes I do read them.
 
Any updates, Dennis?
 
Numbers on that chart are simply a guideline...one size fits all.

If you can look in a service manual for your Dodge (69?), just as for any other Mopar front end, there's other adjustments that should be checked...such as steering angle. All is a waste of time, if there's too much wear on bushings, and such. But, a good shop will know what to look at, and what needs to be done.

All hand over fist stuff. Either right, or wrong. That just means a good go through on it. Should get you fixed up!
 
miller said:
Numbers on that chart are simply a guideline...one size fits all.

If you can look in a service manual for your Dodge (69?), just as for any other Mopar front end, there's other adjustments that should be checked...such as steering angle. All is a waste of time, if there's too much wear on bushings, and such. But, a good shop will know what to look at, and what needs to be done.

All hand over fist stuff. Either right, or wrong. That just means a good go through on it. Should get you fixed up!
Click to expand...
Steering angle....? Are you referring to Ackermann? Kinda hard to adjust that unless you start playing games with different Pitman/idler lengths, isn't it?
 
miller said:
Numbers on that chart are simply a guideline...one size fits all.

If you can look in a service manual for your Dodge (69?), just as for any other Mopar front end, there's other adjustments that should be checked...such as steering angle. All is a waste of time, if there's too much wear on bushings, and such. But, a good shop will know what to look at, and what needs to be done.

All hand over fist stuff. Either right, or wrong. That just means a good go through on it. Should get you fixed up!
Click to expand...

IIRC the chart is updated from the FSM for radial tires and better aftermarket suspension components than offered from the factory.
 
Only upgrades up front for me are the Cooper radials and Bilsteins. Nothing else. Firm Feel not in the mix I guess.
 
Dennis H said:
Only upgrades up front for me are the Cooper radials and Bilsteins. Nothing else. Firm Feel not in the mix I guess.
Click to expand...

Same here, Dennis. One exception, the previous owner installed a thicker front anti sway bar.
 
Cranky said:
Steering angle....? Are you referring to Ackermann? Kinda hard to adjust that unless you start playing games with different Pitman/idler lengths, isn't it?
Click to expand...

Ha! Made me crack my book. Steering Axis Inclination. Should be 7 1/2 degrees. Just something that can be checked.

'Steering Axis Inclination is measured in degrees
and is the amount the spindle support center line is
tilted from true vertical. It has a fixed relationship
with camber settings and does not change except
when a spindle or ball joint is damaged or bent.'

Right out of the book. Only adjusted by replacing worn parts.
 
Last edited:
I had my front end aligned this morning and the car drives great. Here are the results:eusa_dance::

Alignment 11-10-1411102014_0001.jpg
 
image.jpgTech Fred at 5 Points Tire Redwood City. Drives straight and smooth at all speeds. 2 new Coopers up front.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for following up on this Dennis. Let us know how they wear over the summer.
 
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