A-arm questions?
02-05-2007, 07:38 AM
#1
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A-arm questions? I just started installing the UMI K-member and lower a-arms. They are both very nice pieces. But my question is for those that have installed the lower a-arms before. How much adjusting did you have to do to them so the wheels would be straight? With my driver's side wheel straight the pass side is turned in. Also, what is the best way to go about getting the wheels setup correctly?
02-05-2007, 11:06 AM
#3
The knuckle attaches to the upper and lower A-Arms.
The tie rods attach to the knuckle and to a fixed point, the power steering rack.
When you move the A-Arms out you increase the distance from knuckle to the rack, making the tie rods too short. So, you have to adjust the tie rod length to restore toe settings.
But this won't help you with camber and caster settings.
You only alternative is a front end alignment. And, from my experience, most alignment shops won't touch adjustable suspensions. When you find one that will, they usually charge you shop rates for the alignment on top of the alignment fees.
When I swapped out stock lowers for LGM lowers, it cost me $160 for an alignment. The car spent 3 hours on the rack.
The tie rods attach to the knuckle and to a fixed point, the power steering rack.
When you move the A-Arms out you increase the distance from knuckle to the rack, making the tie rods too short. So, you have to adjust the tie rod length to restore toe settings.
But this won't help you with camber and caster settings.
You only alternative is a front end alignment. And, from my experience, most alignment shops won't touch adjustable suspensions. When you find one that will, they usually charge you shop rates for the alignment on top of the alignment fees.
When I swapped out stock lowers for LGM lowers, it cost me $160 for an alignment. The car spent 3 hours on the rack.
02-05-2007, 12:12 PM
#4
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I know that ultimately it will need an alignment to get it dead on, but right now it is like something isn't right? From what I here there is not supposed to be much adjustment in the swapout other than an alignment once it is installed. I may just have something wrong on it.
02-05-2007, 12:23 PM
#5
The geometry gets really complicated. This mod is not a plug and play "upgrade"
The lower A-Arm mounts are a fixed distance apart. Without precise measuring, getting the distance between the A-Arm rod ends correct in relation to correct camber, caster and toe is a crap shoot without an alignment machine.
Just thank heaven above you didn't replace upper AND lower A-Arms at once.
The lower A-Arm mounts are a fixed distance apart. Without precise measuring, getting the distance between the A-Arm rod ends correct in relation to correct camber, caster and toe is a crap shoot without an alignment machine.
Just thank heaven above you didn't replace upper AND lower A-Arms at once.