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W I D E tires are cool.
Alignment numbers to look for?
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70ChargerRT
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I’ve always liked your set up
Gus chiggins
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I remember Ehrenburg doing an article on this. If you are running radial tires, don't worry about factory settings because those parameters were used on bias ply tires.
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LOL!!!
Had two unsuccessful alignments done by my local tire shop. They are great for todays cars but lacking on skill to do my 66 Charger. Had it to them twice and they never got it right. Got a referral from another classic car guy who sent me to a place about an hour from where I live. This guy was good.. got it perfect, guaranteed his work, told me if there was anything I did not like just bring it back and he would make it right. He used the "skosh" numbers I supplied him.
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Therein lies the problem.
The tire store guys are only as smart as their training. If 95% of the cars that come through their shop are less than 20 years old, they are inexperienced at dealing with a chassis that actually has provisions for adjusting the caster and camber.
Remember the flood of FRONT wheel drive cars in the 80s?
Macpherson strut suspension, no camber or caster adjustment at all. The only settings were TOE.
Many cars are still like that. My 2007 Ram 1500 2WD has alignment cams at the lower control arm… strange, huh? The uppers have no adjustment to them.
It is sad but true that to get a proper alignment, you need either an old timer or a younger guy with an open mind and some skill.
The tire store guys are only as smart as their training. If 95% of the cars that come through their shop are less than 20 years old, they are inexperienced at dealing with a chassis that actually has provisions for adjusting the caster and camber.
Remember the flood of FRONT wheel drive cars in the 80s?
Macpherson strut suspension, no camber or caster adjustment at all. The only settings were TOE.
Many cars are still like that. My 2007 Ram 1500 2WD has alignment cams at the lower control arm… strange, huh? The uppers have no adjustment to them.
It is sad but true that to get a proper alignment, you need either an old timer or a younger guy with an open mind and some skill.
You will never get 6-8 caster on a stock suspension even with the moog offset upper bushings.
gtxdana
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The problem is the techs, both young and old these days, have no idea what a "good" alignment is. At best, all they go by is the colors on the screen. If the screen lights up "green" they proclaim it's good to go. Unfortunately, the measurements can be at the opposite extremes of the allowable specs from side to side resulting in a crappy alignment.
Caster for stability at highway speeds. (it will steer itself) Less caster for manual steering. Camber was originally for road crown. You don't need much. Toe in should be kept close to zero or toe'd in ever so slightly. If it its toed out the car will "hunt" from side to side trying to track straight. Too much toe in and it will scrub the tires. Camber and toe are tire wearing angles. Did I do good @Scott Engelhardt? Correct me if I'm wrong. That's why the SKOSH chart in post #13 works.
WileE
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I set my car at -.5 camber. As much positive caster as possible, +2 to +3 is good. 1/8 toe-in.
Mike you are right on. I know lots of old school techs like to set toe in inches not degrees. But what you are truly trying to achieve is zero dynamic toe.
I like to control my car with caster, adjusting to .3 or .4 degrees less on the left wheel. That is just my preference. My Satellite drives really great with 0 camber 3.1 left caster and 3.5 right caster. 1/16 of a degree toe in.
I have 7500 miles on my front tires with no wear issues.
Best thing a person can do is set a base line then play with it.
That’s easy for me to say when I have a machine in my shop
70ChargerRT
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Good lord I’m screwed. May have to just load my car up and take it half across the country to get it did correctly. I don’t even trust these guys driving my car and hell a few of them can’t even drive a stick!!! 0ne guy that did my truck last year after putting new ball joints just said take it and drive it and let me know how it feels lol. I started asking him about my Charger and seemed lost AF.
Where are you located. I might be able to talk to the local Hunter rep and find you a shop that is capable.
70ChargerRT
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Grayson, Ky
WileE
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I'm amazed. I did front end work over 50 years ago, and adjusting Mopar alignment was/is a relatively easy task ! I don't know what the problem is when you tell someone, here... set my alignment to these specs.
69L48Z27
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He has aftermarket parts with 3* built in. Should be no problem with his setup.
70ChargerRT
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I’m completely clueless on the how to I just need to fine someone with the know how.
I am working on that. I emailed a colleague of mine
70ChargerRT
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Thanks, I appreciate that!
My colleague said this is where he would take it.
Pure Country Automotive.
Good luck.
Hell maybe I should retire and become a mobile alignment tech.
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