Got an alignment problem! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

HvyChevy454 · 08-21-2002, 03:51 PM

Took my truck down for an alignment since i got new tires. The front passenger was near perfect but the front driverside it leaning way in. It was at a -1.9 w/ 1 shime they were able to get it to around a -1. The reason they cant put more shimes in is that the bolts that hold the upper arm on are maxed out. From what i assumed my front suspension is entirely stock w/ 350 springs supporting the BB. There has got to be a reason that one side is so far off and beyond adjustment. Anybody had this problem?

Oh and starter #4 burnt up today so now im puttin in #5!

*Zkast* · 08-21-2002, 06:03 PM

*EDIT*
Opps I just noticed you have SB springs in a BB truck?
First thing you need to do is correct the ride height. You can loose as much as 2 degree's of camber from low ride height.

IF AFTER you replace the springs and its still a little out, then do this:
Have them run measurements on the frame/suspension to see if you have any bent parts. Also have them do a SAI included angle measurement. This will give you an idea of where the problem is.
It really depends on if the measurement they gave you was for Caster or Camber. If its Caster? the SAI will tell you how far that side is out and also give a direction to head next.

If its camber you could have a bent frame, worn control arm bushings, worn ball joints, bent ball joints or shifted crossmember.

-1.9 is enough to wear a new set of tires in 10k miles if we are talking camber.

If its caster you have major problems lol. Most caster readings should be anywhere from 2.0 to 5.0 (not real sure on these trucks though) NEVER negative.

Anyhow, you more than likely have bent/worn parts, they need to find out what and where....

HvyChevy454 · 08-21-2002, 06:43 PM

it was camber, the tires i had on there as temps are bald on the inside. and this really sucks, what kind spring drop in the front can i go w/o needing spindles or control arms?

*Zkast* · 08-21-2002, 07:02 PM

You can almost figure about 1 degree per one inch of height drop. Its actually a little less than that but its close. If you have lowered it that much I recommend replacing the spindles and get the correct spring back in there. It will ride so much better!

HvyChevy454 · 08-21-2002, 07:13 PM

i only assume its gto 350 springs in it b.c thats whats on the sheet. When i got the truck it had a 305 in it. Now its gto a 454 and i have yet to touch the front suspension. i guess ill go ahead an get the right springs for it

HvyChevy454 · 08-21-2002, 07:28 PM

ok i just went out w/ a straight edge and measured it right.
Front
18 17

17.5 17.5
Rear

The driverside front corner sits 1'' higher that the passenger side. This is also the corner that has about -1 degree of camber.
It is also the side of the truck that lifts under hard acceleration. Im going to a chassis dyno to get the rear wheel figures on the motor.
Could the torque of the motor tweaked something?

tom hand · 08-21-2002, 08:24 PM

I will almost bet you have a broken spring. They break on the bottom where the end of the spring touches the next coil. When I rebuilt the frontend on a 71 I had, both front springs were broken and it was a six cylinder truck. Between the spring and the motor it is too low to line up. You run into the same problem if you try to lower the front very much with the springs.

08-21-2002, 03:51 PM	#1
HvyChevy454 Slowly getting CRSS... Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Lutz, Florida Posts: 656	Got an alignment problem! Took my truck down for an alignment since i got new tires. The front passenger was near perfect but the front driverside it leaning way in. It was at a -1.9 w/ 1 shime they were able to get it to around a -1. The reason they cant put more shimes in is that the bolts that hold the upper arm on are maxed out. From what i assumed my front suspension is entirely stock w/ 350 springs supporting the BB. There has got to be a reason that one side is so far off and beyond adjustment. Anybody had this problem? Oh and starter #4 burnt up today so now im puttin in #5! __________________ -Nic Lutz, Fl My Team Website The Heavy Chevy Website ------------------ 72 Cheyenne 10 LWB GM 12-bolt 3.08 w/ Auburn Posi 91 454 Edel Performer RPM Intake 750 cfm carb Comp Cam 268/.495 Hedman Headers Dual 3'' Exhaust 71 Cheyenne 20 4x4 Fact. A/C PS PB Tilt Currently in the works... Speak Softly and Carry A Big Block... There is No replacement for Displacement... "If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough." - Mario Andretti

08-21-2002, 06:03 PM	#2
Zkast Account Suspended Join Date: May 2002 Location: Olathe, Kansas Posts: 929	EDIT Opps I just noticed you have SB springs in a BB truck? First thing you need to do is correct the ride height. You can loose as much as 2 degree's of camber from low ride height. IF AFTER you replace the springs and its still a little out, then do this: Have them run measurements on the frame/suspension to see if you have any bent parts. Also have them do a SAI included angle measurement. This will give you an idea of where the problem is. It really depends on if the measurement they gave you was for Caster or Camber. If its Caster? the SAI will tell you how far that side is out and also give a direction to head next. If its camber you could have a bent frame, worn control arm bushings, worn ball joints, bent ball joints or shifted crossmember. -1.9 is enough to wear a new set of tires in 10k miles if we are talking camber. If its caster you have major problems lol. Most caster readings should be anywhere from 2.0 to 5.0 (not real sure on these trucks though) NEVER negative. Anyhow, you more than likely have bent/worn parts, they need to find out what and where.... Last edited by Zkast; 08-21-2002 at 06:05 PM.

08-21-2002, 06:43 PM	#3
HvyChevy454 Slowly getting CRSS... Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Lutz, Florida Posts: 656	it was camber, the tires i had on there as temps are bald on the inside. and this really sucks, what kind spring drop in the front can i go w/o needing spindles or control arms? __________________ -Nic Lutz, Fl My Team Website The Heavy Chevy Website ------------------ 72 Cheyenne 10 LWB GM 12-bolt 3.08 w/ Auburn Posi 91 454 Edel Performer RPM Intake 750 cfm carb Comp Cam 268/.495 Hedman Headers Dual 3'' Exhaust 71 Cheyenne 20 4x4 Fact. A/C PS PB Tilt Currently in the works... Speak Softly and Carry A Big Block... There is No replacement for Displacement... "If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough." - Mario Andretti

08-21-2002, 07:28 PM	#6
HvyChevy454 Slowly getting CRSS... Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Lutz, Florida Posts: 656	ok i just went out w/ a straight edge and measured it right. Front 18 17 17.5 17.5 Rear The driverside front corner sits 1'' higher that the passenger side. This is also the corner that has about -1 degree of camber. It is also the side of the truck that lifts under hard acceleration. Im going to a chassis dyno to get the rear wheel figures on the motor. Could the torque of the motor tweaked something? __________________ -Nic Lutz, Fl My Team Website The Heavy Chevy Website ------------------ 72 Cheyenne 10 LWB GM 12-bolt 3.08 w/ Auburn Posi 91 454 Edel Performer RPM Intake 750 cfm carb Comp Cam 268/.495 Hedman Headers Dual 3'' Exhaust 71 Cheyenne 20 4x4 Fact. A/C PS PB Tilt Currently in the works... Speak Softly and Carry A Big Block... There is No replacement for Displacement... "If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough." - Mario Andretti

08-21-2002, 08:24 PM	#7
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	I will almost bet you have a broken spring. They break on the bottom where the end of the spring touches the next coil. When I rebuilt the frontend on a 71 I had, both front springs were broken and it was a six cylinder truck. Between the spring and the motor it is too low to line up. You run into the same problem if you try to lower the front very much with the springs. __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

08-21-2002, 07:02 PM	#4
Zkast Account Suspended Join Date: May 2002 Location: Olathe, Kansas Posts: 929	You can almost figure about 1 degree per one inch of height drop. Its actually a little less than that but its close. If you have lowered it that much I recommend replacing the spindles and get the correct spring back in there. It will ride so much better!

08-21-2002, 07:13 PM	#5
HvyChevy454 Slowly getting CRSS... Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Lutz, Florida Posts: 656	i only assume its gto 350 springs in it b.c thats whats on the sheet. When i got the truck it had a 305 in it. Now its gto a 454 and i have yet to touch the front suspension. i guess ill go ahead an get the right springs for it __________________ -Nic Lutz, Fl My Team Website The Heavy Chevy Website ------------------ 72 Cheyenne 10 LWB GM 12-bolt 3.08 w/ Auburn Posi 91 454 Edel Performer RPM Intake 750 cfm carb Comp Cam 268/.495 Hedman Headers Dual 3'' Exhaust 71 Cheyenne 20 4x4 Fact. A/C PS PB Tilt Currently in the works... Speak Softly and Carry A Big Block... There is No replacement for Displacement... "If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough." - Mario Andretti



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.