When were shock towers put on at factory? 68 B body

[68_661charger]

Were shock towers welded to frame rail on the car or were they done on a jig? I'm asking because I'm replacing a drivers side front frame rail and shock tower on a 68 Charger with one from a 68 Coronet. I'm using the service manual/ plumb bobs to place and measure rail plus bolting in the k frame, but the Coronet shock tower seems to be set 1/8" back from the shock tower on old rusty rail. Any problems with this? Am I basically just building in more positive castor on drivers side?

 

[YY1]

I've actually heard from a collision repair shop that also restores classic gm cars, manly 66/67 chevelles-

That most factory dimensions have a more forward position on the pass side.....to help with the crowning of roads.

Not 100% sure if that's true or applies here but it bade sense when I herd it and I kind of trust that guy's advice.

 

[pnora]

There are frame dimensions in the FSM. I do not recall any set back differences on the left side. I would imagine the factory had some sort of jig that they positioned all the parts and welded them in.

 

[Thrashingcows]

I've rerad that the factory tollerances back then were pretty generous...+/- 1/4" to 3/8"

 

[70bigblockdodge]

1/8" I would not worry about. However, if you can move it rearward without being too far aft of the passenger side I would I would move it, or keep it, because it will add to more caster, which equals more stability. Run it.

 

[68_661charger]

Thanks for all the replys. Yes all the way back and I hit the fsm numbers on the rail. I can just tell the shock tower is back the 1/8th just by where it hits the inner fender, plus the tape. To the naked eye, I don't see much different. I'm going to have to run it as I don't feel great about pulling the whole deal forward and making the plumb bob numbers wrong on a hunch then maybe not being able to get much castor.

 

[R413]

You should try to mock up the inner fender panel and core support to see how it all fits together.

 

[oldkimmer]

Mopar is 5/8s set back on the drivers side to help stability. Or rather the passenger wheel is 5/8s ahead. Kim

 

[pnora]

Mopar is 5/8s set back on the drivers side to help stability. Or rather the passenger wheel is 5/8s ahead. Kim

Where do you see that information? 4 wheel alignment does not show it.