Lowered 71 C-10, Negative Camber Help
 

I lowered the front of my 71 with the ECE 4" kit (2.5" spindle, 1.5" coil) and I took it to a good alignment shop and they were able to adjust everything except they said that there was not enough adjustment to get the passenger side camber to within the correct range. He suggested I look into installing longer bolts and an offset shaft. Has anyone else come across this or know where I can get an offset shaft? Are the bolts anything special or would I be able to get some longer grade 8 bolts at a hardware store? I just got new tires so I want to get this corrected sooner than later. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Re: Lowered 71 C-10, Negative Camber Help
 

Yes, they make longer upper a-arm studs. Your alignment guy should have been able to get them for you (or tell you where you can get them in your area). I don't know about the offset shafts for trucks. I know they make them for cars, I'm just not sure about trucks.

But . . .... w/a 2.5" spindle & 1.5" drop coil, you shouldn't have any issues getting that aligned. Something on the frame is possibly out of whack, or.... the alignment guy is ;) .

I used a drop spindle & cut 1 coil off (which is 2 ~3" of drop including sag from age) & my alignment didn't require longer studs or offset shafts.

Re: Lowered 71 C-10, Negative Camber Help
 

the shafts are called "Problem Solvers" Moog makes them but I don't think they have one for your year. Check you nearest auto store. they are off set to get more camber adjustment.

Re: Lowered 71 C-10, Negative Camber Help
 

He shouldn't need them.

Re: Lowered 71 C-10, Negative Camber Help
 

I agree I had my truck STATIC 5.5"-6" in the front and it aligned with no problems.. They just thought I was nuts !

Re: Lowered 71 C-10, Negative Camber Help
 

His truck may have some other unseen misalignment.

Re: Lowered 71 C-10, Negative Camber Help
 

I agree.

Re: Lowered 71 C-10, Negative Camber Help
 

yeah, I think there must be some other unseen misalignment issue from over the past 35 years. I just recently bought the truck so I don't know if it was ever in an accident or anything like that. I think the guy at the alignment shop has his head on straight because he has done my S-10 several times over the past few years from when I went from 3-4" to 5-6" to bagged with new control arms. Does anyone know if the bolts are just standard grade 8 bolts or do they have some wacky heads on them? I figured I'd ask before I start digging into it. Thanks for the replies

Re: Lowered 71 C-10, Negative Camber Help
 

They are similar to wheel lugs with a pan type head like a stovebolt and the seration on the shaft to keep them from turning. I got some from GMC Paul or Chevy duty but I don't think they were longer than stock ones. You may want to email them and ask.

Re: Lowered 71 C-10, Negative Camber Help
 

I alos have a 3.5 front drop spindle and coil. He told me if it was any lower (coil droped) I would have camber/caster issues that would affect the tire wear and handleing to the point where it would be noticable.

Re: Lowered 71 C-10, Negative Camber Help
 

I ran across this article that may be helpful

http://classictrucks.com/tech/0405cl_oldsc2/