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Frame Adjustment Question

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Old Aug 19, 2015 | 02:14 PM
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I believe the measurement across the upper a-arm mounting surfaces is supposed to be 26 3/8". Yes/no?? Mine looks to be greater than that measurement, which I find odd for a big block car. I assumed it would be less with the weight of the big block.
Question is: can one pull this back into spec without going to a frame shop? Is this a DIY type of project? If so, any recommendations on tools required. I'm trying to get organized to install a spreader bar this winter.
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Old Aug 19, 2015 | 03:57 PM
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have you measured for the 26 3/8 with front off the ground supported by the jack stands on the frame? Curious if the number you have increases?
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Old Aug 19, 2015 | 05:50 PM
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No, only a rough measurement with car on the ground. To much fan parts in the way for an exact measurement at this time.
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Old Aug 21, 2015 | 04:36 PM
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Ttt
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Old Aug 24, 2015 | 11:49 AM
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you say a rough measurement, so admittedly it could be 26 3/8" or less because it really doesn't make too much sense that it would be more unless the car was in an accident.
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Old Aug 24, 2015 | 01:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Kim72
No, only a rough measurement with car on the ground. To much fan parts in the way for an exact measurement at this time.
I found one way to deal with the fan being in the way was to lay a board or dowel across the fenders, attach strings with weights on each side hanging down acting as plum bobs. I slid the string on each side across the dowel until the weight was just touching the point I was trying to measure. Once both sides were lined up I measured the distance on the dowel between the strings, came up dead on. This approach should be reasonably accurate so long as the dowel is level.

I too have a big block, checked this dimension, wondered if I could measure the sag people talk about. If the cradle is sagging, I don't see it in this area.
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Old Aug 29, 2015 | 05:18 PM
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OK, good idea on the measuring. It worked well. My exact dimension is 26 3/4". Looks like I might want to bring it in 3/8". Not sure how I will do this. Can one tighten a spreader bar to alter this? Is that advisable or is that too much strain on a spreader bar?
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Old Aug 30, 2015 | 12:42 AM
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Not an expert but to me 3/8" would be a non issue. I highly doubt that the number of 26 3/8 is exact on all c-3's .Since its slightly wider on yours it wont affect your ability to have proper camber due to the fact you can add shims.
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Old Aug 30, 2015 | 01:59 AM
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If it isn't affecting anything now, why would you want to move it??
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Old Aug 30, 2015 | 01:55 PM
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Your both probably right. Just being **** I guess. I am getting ready for spreader bar install and new wheel alignment this winter and this was just something I was checking. I agree, 3/8" difference is probably a non-issue.
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