Alignment
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
From: Quincy MA
Alignment
My '74 goes off to the left a bit, need to always correct it. We swapped front wheels, still the same, tires are new. I work for a Jeep dealer and the tech's don't want to touch the Vette...One of the guys said it would require "shims" to do the alignment...Any thoughts on what to do and/or what type of shop would do the work?
Thanks in advance,
Kevin
kmobrien76@yahoo . c o m
Thanks in advance,
Kevin
kmobrien76@yahoo . c o m
Last edited by kmobrien76; Sep 27, 2007 at 01:40 PM. Reason: name missing
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 195
Likes: 2
From: Wilmington MA
Yes it would reqire shims to do the alignment. Dont know why you Jeep tech doesnt want to do it, its same principle as doing most front ends. Although arent all jeeps 4-wheel drive w solid axel? That may be why.
Caster, camber and toe are set to factory specs first. if all thats right, then there is an adjustable valve on the power steering assist piston that pushes the center link right to left. I never adjusted mine, but from what i hear, there is a small cover w an adjustment screw that you cane use to center the steering pump pressure. I dont think i would even touch that until i know the front end geometry is right first. (caster/camber/toe) Otherwise you will be using that as a crutch for possible caster that may be off.
We do our own alignment because we have the tools for the race car, but its smart to take it to a reputible shop in your area that has experience w vetts. The rear needs to be aligned as well. Do you have a GM service manual? Specs are there. If not, i can fax you a copy.
Good luck.
Caster, camber and toe are set to factory specs first. if all thats right, then there is an adjustable valve on the power steering assist piston that pushes the center link right to left. I never adjusted mine, but from what i hear, there is a small cover w an adjustment screw that you cane use to center the steering pump pressure. I dont think i would even touch that until i know the front end geometry is right first. (caster/camber/toe) Otherwise you will be using that as a crutch for possible caster that may be off.
We do our own alignment because we have the tools for the race car, but its smart to take it to a reputible shop in your area that has experience w vetts. The rear needs to be aligned as well. Do you have a GM service manual? Specs are there. If not, i can fax you a copy.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
From: Quincy MA
That would be great if you could fax me a copy, I'm at work today 'til 530, it's 213 pm est now...otherwise tomorrow 9a-7p est...
Attention: Kevin O'Brien
Fax: 781 769 6865
Much appreciated...
Kevin
Attention: Kevin O'Brien
Fax: 781 769 6865
Much appreciated...
Kevin
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 1
From: AL
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 924
Likes: 2
From: Kearneysville West Virginia
My '74 goes off to the left a bit, need to always correct it. We swapped front wheels, still the same, tires are new. I work for a Jeep dealer and the tech's don't want to touch the Vette...One of the guys said it would require "shims" to do the alignment...Any thoughts on what to do and/or what type of shop would do the work?
Thanks in advance,
Kevin
kmobrien76@yahoo . c o m
Thanks in advance,
Kevin
kmobrien76@yahoo . c o m
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
The front end is the same standard-issue control arm suspension that GM used for decades, before Rack & Pinion. Two unequal length control arms with the spring & shock between them, and a paralellagram for steering linkage. The C3 was no different in any of this stuff.
Any ALIGNMENT SHOP should be able to do this alignment. Also: how old are your control arm bushings? When they get old and wear unevenly, the control arms shift & this can cause caster to change. The caster change is what causes a car to drift to one side; it will always go to the side with the least amount of caster.
Any ALIGNMENT SHOP should be able to do this alignment. Also: how old are your control arm bushings? When they get old and wear unevenly, the control arms shift & this can cause caster to change. The caster change is what causes a car to drift to one side; it will always go to the side with the least amount of caster.
