75vetteman

thought i would post this in hopes to save somebody else a real headache.
everything i've read says that when R&Ring the upper control arms, to put the alignment shims right back in their original spots. well i did, and the result is not good. took the car for a short test drive the other night. all seemed good so i let my mom take it to work yesterday. when she got back i went out and looked it over and discovered that the pass front wheel rubbed the fender well making hard right turns, and the driver front rubber the fender making hard right turns too. it actually took a small chunk out on the pass side. and has cracked it on the driver side. needless to say this morning i went and did an alignment myself.
to anybody getting ready to do their front suspension, align the car yourself before driving it. at the very least, just shiim the CAs until the wheels clear the fenders when cranked all the way in either direction.
i learn everything the hard way

Mike Ward

No matter how far off the alignment, the tires should not rub the fenders. I think you've got other issues.

Xterrable

When you say fender, do you mean the inner fender? Or are you talking the painted surface of the body?

Easy Mike

Roco71

Photos?

commander_47

I thought that privilege was reserved solely for ME!!!!!

75vetteman

the very edges of the fender wells. the outside edge of the tire catches it when turned fully to the right.
i guess i should mention they were removed to change the bushings. and i know for sure that i have the CAs on the correct sides.
i might be able to get pics this evening when she comes back from work.
it's my car, but it seems i never get to drive it lately.

75vetteman

i got my bachelors at the school of hardknocks.

75vetteman

i was surprised how much the tires would move when i would adjust the upper arm. it messes with the caster angle pretty bad. next time i do the front sus on a vette, i'll use a level to be sure the BJs(you dirty minded freaks) line up with eachother perfectly before i tighten it up and throw the tires on

scottyp99

The very edge of the fender well? What is that supposed to mean? I think you're gonna have to show some pics. Also, what are CAs and BJs supposed to be?


Keep the shiny side up!
Scott

...Roger...

What size tires do you have ? Remember around 1978 GM started trimming the inside edge of the fender because the optional tire would rub.

TW1ST3D

CA= Control Arm

BJ= Ball Joint

Me Thinks......

Eddie 70

I know mine do rub on my 70 with 255/60/15 when turning real sharp. I just make sure not to let it happen when I am driving the car.

Clams Canino

I did the '78 trim on my '68 - no rub now.

-W

I'm Batman

Yeah...GM started trimming the fenders in 78 for the fun of it.

75vetteman

sorry it's taken so long. CAs- control arms
BJs- ball joints
an alignment solved the problem. though they did say to either flare the fenders or get smaller tires. they said the tires might still rub the fenders making tight turns. just moved a few weeks ago and have no internet acces at new place so have to go the library... won't be able to get pictures.
tire size is 195 or 295, something 95 anyways.

7T1vette

Surely not '195', as that would be narrower than the original stock tires. 295 width tires on the front of your car??? Why? And, no wonder they rub. Anyway, glad you got it sorted out. And, you DO need to trim some off the lip to keep those tires from hitting.

qwank

if you have 295s on the front, then that's your problem. you need to find out for sure all the facts and let us know if you want help.

Easy Mike

Same here. And my graduate degree. AND I am working on my doctorate from the same place.