alignment after k-member install
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,169
Likes: 1
From: Dallas, TX / Boston, MA
alignment after k-member install just got my alignment done after a BMR k-member and prothane motor mount install. Still have the stock A-arms.
as you can see below, the numbers in red are just out of spec. pretty much they were like 'thats the best we're gonna get it'. should i be concerned and try to go to another location to get it redone? or will it be fine? unfortunatley, it started to rain, so i didn't get to go out on the highway, but it seemed to drive straight around town. i'm more concerned about potential abnormal tire wear.
here are my numbers (sorry, vbulletin is not cooperating with the formatting):
_____[ Left ][ Right ][ Range ]
Camber [ 0.9][-0.3][-0.1 - 0.9]
Caster [4.0][4.8][4.3 - 5.3]
Toe [0.05] [-0.02] [-0.10 - 0.10]
__________[measurment] [range]
Cross Camber [0.3] [-0.7 - 0.7]
Cross Caster [-0.8][-0.7 - 0.7]
Total Toe [0.04] [-0.20 - 0.20]
as you can see below, the numbers in red are just out of spec. pretty much they were like 'thats the best we're gonna get it'. should i be concerned and try to go to another location to get it redone? or will it be fine? unfortunatley, it started to rain, so i didn't get to go out on the highway, but it seemed to drive straight around town. i'm more concerned about potential abnormal tire wear.
here are my numbers (sorry, vbulletin is not cooperating with the formatting):
_____[ Left ][ Right ][ Range ]
Camber [ 0.9][-0.3][-0.1 - 0.9]
Caster [4.0][4.8][4.3 - 5.3]
Toe [0.05] [-0.02] [-0.10 - 0.10]
__________[measurment] [range]
Cross Camber [0.3] [-0.7 - 0.7]
Cross Caster [-0.8][-0.7 - 0.7]
Total Toe [0.04] [-0.20 - 0.20]
your cross camber is a little wider than I would like to see, but do not think it will be a problem,( you may get a small amount of drift to the left because of the large amount of cross camber + the large amount of diff. in caster.
the small amount your " reds" are out I do not think will be a problem, should wear and drive ok
here are the specs I like/run
Johnny
MAINTAIN ALIGN SPECTS @ CAMBER =O.50 DEG ,
CASTER =4.50 DEG ON LEFT SIDE, 5.00 DEG ON RIGHT,,
TOE=1/16 INCH TOE IN
the small amount your " reds" are out I do not think will be a problem, should wear and drive ok
here are the specs I like/run
Johnny
MAINTAIN ALIGN SPECTS @ CAMBER =O.50 DEG ,
CASTER =4.50 DEG ON LEFT SIDE, 5.00 DEG ON RIGHT,,
TOE=1/16 INCH TOE IN
Last edited by SS SLP2; Jan 7, 2010 at 10:30 AM.
Almost a degree of POSITIVE camber on the left?
I think that's a real problem. There is over a degree of difference between the left and right side.
Either find a different alignment guy or slot the camber mount on the left side about 1/4"
I think that's a real problem. There is over a degree of difference between the left and right side.
Either find a different alignment guy or slot the camber mount on the left side about 1/4"
why is it that one side can be so different from the other?
has anyone ever done a "how to" on modifying things to get the needed room to adjust the parts?
i hear things like "widen the slot"....but what does that mean and TO what
has anyone ever done a "how to" on modifying things to get the needed room to adjust the parts?
i hear things like "widen the slot"....but what does that mean and TO what
...I can't find a local shop that has the right tool...there's a specialized tool to set castor/camber on our cars. It looks like this:
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/otc7840.html
Of course, the shop I went to didn't tell me they didn't have the tool until AFTER they did the alignment, I had already paid to have a "lifetime" alignment, and then they gave me the print out and said that's the best they could do.
I found a sit that had cheaper version of the tool for like $50 shipped, but that site seems to have gone out of business...
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/otc7840.html
Of course, the shop I went to didn't tell me they didn't have the tool until AFTER they did the alignment, I had already paid to have a "lifetime" alignment, and then they gave me the print out and said that's the best they could do.
I found a sit that had cheaper version of the tool for like $50 shipped, but that site seems to have gone out of business...
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Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,169
Likes: 1
From: Dallas, TX / Boston, MA
...I can't find a local shop that has the right tool...there's a specialized tool to set castor/camber on our cars. It looks like this:
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/otc7840.html
Of course, the shop I went to didn't tell me they didn't have the tool until AFTER they did the alignment, I had already paid to have a "lifetime" alignment, and then they gave me the print out and said that's the best they could do.
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/otc7840.html
Of course, the shop I went to didn't tell me they didn't have the tool until AFTER they did the alignment, I had already paid to have a "lifetime" alignment, and then they gave me the print out and said that's the best they could do.
they also told me about the 'special tool' for firebird/camaros. they said 'we just dont get enough of those cars to justify buying the special tool for them. we can still do the car, it just takes a little longer.'
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Our alignment shop here in town got mine spot on with no special tools for camber/caster, however i do have tubular adjustable lower A-arms. as far as i know, for camber he used a ratchet strap (or similar). a competent shop shouldnt have any trouble doing this....its literally the exact same as the stock parts unless for some reason the holes arent elongated enough to allow more adjustment.
...I can't find a local shop that has the right tool...there's a specialized tool to set castor/camber on our cars. It looks like this:
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/otc7840.html
Of course, the shop I went to didn't tell me they didn't have the tool until AFTER they did the alignment, I had already paid to have a "lifetime" alignment, and then they gave me the print out and said that's the best they could do.
I found a sit that had cheaper version of the tool for like $50 shipped, but that site seems to have gone out of business...
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/otc7840.html
Of course, the shop I went to didn't tell me they didn't have the tool until AFTER they did the alignment, I had already paid to have a "lifetime" alignment, and then they gave me the print out and said that's the best they could do.
I found a sit that had cheaper version of the tool for like $50 shipped, but that site seems to have gone out of business...
Thanks guys and 2 thumbs up for the starters of this LS1 tech site
This site is the reason i learned how to keyboard type and use a PC beleive it or not over 3 years ago.Im still a 1 finger typer though and spelling still needs some improvement 
Last edited by barnat; Jan 9, 2010 at 11:40 PM.
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 179
Likes: 2
Was there any slight free play in the k-member when you installed it? It looks like if they didn't know you just installed it, they didn't touch it. That might have to be aligned so your wheel alignment can be corrected.
Huh?,,,,I just installed my new BMR K member with UMI lower control arms .Its still up on blocks in my garage.Im wondering if this tool will help me get **** (close or closer) for the 5 mile trip to get it to the alighnment shop. Plus, help my shop out some if they dont have this tool?
I just went and found my castor/camber tool. Mine was only like $50 and it's made by Specialty Products Company and the part # is 83775 Maybe another company carries them now since I think the company I got mine from is now out of business...
Hey! Just found it on amazon for $61, so you may be able to find it chaper:
http://www.amazon.com/Specialty-Prod.../dp/B000JZUS12
...and after a Google search, there are some places that have it for less than $50 too.
Hey! Just found it on amazon for $61, so you may be able to find it chaper:
http://www.amazon.com/Specialty-Prod.../dp/B000JZUS12
...and after a Google search, there are some places that have it for less than $50 too.
I just went and found my castor/camber tool. Mine was only like $50 and it's made by Specialty Products Company and the part # is 83775 Maybe another company carries them now since I think the company I got mine from is now out of business...
Hey! Just found it on amazon for $61, so you may be able to find it chaper:
http://www.amazon.com/Specialty-Prod.../dp/B000JZUS12
Hey! Just found it on amazon for $61, so you may be able to find it chaper:
http://www.amazon.com/Specialty-Prod.../dp/B000JZUS12
Thanks Barnat
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,169
Likes: 1
From: Dallas, TX / Boston, MA
and i just looked at my stock k-member... it also has slotted holes where the A-arms attach. so doing the alignment on the aftermarket k-member should be NO different than the stock k-member.
i think they were just being lazy cuz it was the end of the day and they didnt want to play with it anymore. I'm going to try to go to another location the next time i get the chance, and see if they can try again.
