alignment:adjustable strut rod/offset shafts
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 649
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From: Red Bank NJ
alignment:adjustable strut rod/offset shafts
Just installed new trailing arm assembly on passenger side. Camber is way off. It was bad with the old unit, the bearings went, so put on a new unit and the problem is worse. Going to try adjustable strut rods. Anyone know of a unit that has the most range of adjustment? Also, looking for upper front contral a arms with offset shaft installed. Any ideas, can't seem to locate a compete unit. Most sell the shaft but not as a compete unit. PS the struts are near new on the car will be getting rid of them after installing adjustables, let me know if any one is interested.Thanks for any help. 
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
I don't understand how new t-arms will give you worse camber than your old units? Are your strut rods bent at all? Are the bushings good? Did you put the reducing washers on when you installed them? The reducing washers go on the bracket side under the diff. It doesn't make sence.
Why do you want offset a-arms shafts? Was the car hit or are you tring to get more camber out of the front? If you buy the HD upper a-arms they already come w/offset shafts and will give you more camber and caster. You said you couldn't find them as a complete unit. Do you mean the whole a-arm (stock) w/the offset shafts in them? I can build them for you. Here are the HD upper a-arms w/offset shafts.
http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...&SubGroup=1851
Why do you want offset a-arms shafts? Was the car hit or are you tring to get more camber out of the front? If you buy the HD upper a-arms they already come w/offset shafts and will give you more camber and caster. You said you couldn't find them as a complete unit. Do you mean the whole a-arm (stock) w/the offset shafts in them? I can build them for you. Here are the HD upper a-arms w/offset shafts.
http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...&SubGroup=1851
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 649
Likes: 2
From: Red Bank NJ
Yea, I'm sure this sounded nuts. What happened is this, the car had a camber problem right rear and left front. The rear camber problem was not being able to bring the bottom of the tire in. Even with the camber adjustement bolt turned as far as it would go.I installed fixed original style struts so they are not bent. Had the car looked at a frame shop. They don't think the car was damaged in the front, they think it's normal age sag.They said my rear bearings were shot on the right side rear. So I replaced the entire trialing arm assmebly. Now the camber is worse. My performance shop is now playing with the suspension this afternoon trying to fix it. They are not sure why the camber would be worse with new assembly bearings etc. But it is. My thinking is to use adjustable strut rods to help with the problem. Drivers side front the spacers are removed from the upper control arm and still do not have proper camber. So I'm leaning towards offset shafts. The ones you have look great. Do you have those in stock? PS Thanks for your help.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 853
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From: Foxfield, Co
It seems to me that if you have new trailing arm assemblies and good straight strud rods and still have you tire leaning in, then your side yokes on your differential must have excessive wear on them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
If you are having problems with camber on two opposite corners of the car, you probably have a bent frame. Take it to a different shop for a second opinion.
If you cannot get the alignment with stock strut rods you have some serious other problems. Throwing on adjustable strut rods and offset front shafts is not the correct answer. That is like treating the symptoms instead of the disease.
If you cannot get the alignment with stock strut rods you have some serious other problems. Throwing on adjustable strut rods and offset front shafts is not the correct answer. That is like treating the symptoms instead of the disease.
Last edited by 70 LS1; Feb 3, 2005 at 08:11 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,358
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From: Plano TX
Originally Posted by greg454
It seems to me that if you have new trailing arm assemblies and good straight strud rods and still have you tire leaning in, then your side yokes on your differential must have excessive wear on them.
