This is topic strut replacing/alignment question? in forum Tech Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://californiafords.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=024234
Posted by 510.86.notch (Member # 9892) on :
 
i'm replacing my struts and shocks today on my 89 coupe and was wondering about my alignment?can you mark it and try to set them in the same place or do i just got to suck it up and get a alignment?are there any tricks or tips?any help will be greatly appreciated.thanks cafords

[ April 05, 2011, 04:06 PM: Message edited by: 510.86.notch ]
 
Posted by 68stanger (Member # 7842) on :
 
your not messing with any tie rods or caster camber plates. It should be remove and replace....
 
Posted by Blind (Member # 3052) on :
 
the strut to spindle attachment point has a -huge- effect on camber, with those 2 bolts loose you can move the spindle enough to change the camber by almost a full degree with some struts.

an alignment should definitely be done afterwards.
 
Posted by Adam5.0 (Member # 6995) on :
 
no alignment needed.
 
Posted by 510.86.notch (Member # 9892) on :
 
no caster camber plates only changing brakes,spindles,struts and shocks.i'm trying to get some springs.also i went from 4 cylinder rims to 17x9s i'm thinking i need a alignment?thanks for the info.
 
Posted by 89bluenotch (Member # 7454) on :
 
yeah your going to need one changing the spindles
 
Posted by 510.86.notch (Member # 9892) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by 89bluenotch:
yeah your going to need one changing the spindles
yea i figured.just double checking.also having trouble removing the struts can't seem to get the bolt off on the top its just spinning. i held the top with a big flat head.any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.thanks
 
Posted by Blind (Member # 3052) on :
 
impact gun always works for me, sometimes it helps to put a jack under that control arm and jack it up.
 
Posted by 510.86.notch (Member # 9892) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Blind:
impact gun always works for me, sometimes it helps to put a jack under that control arm and jack it up.
i got the bottom off that connects to spindle.can't get the top off.i also tried what you suggested.
 
Posted by Adam5.0 (Member # 6995) on :
 
impact it and it will come off
 
Posted by 510.86.notch (Member # 9892) on :
 
ok thanks i'll try that tomorrow.
 
Posted by gercolla1 (Member # 3068) on :
 
if you you need a alignment go to tidewater tires
this place knows mustangs


http://www.yelp.com/biz/tidewater-tire-oakland
 
Posted by 510.86.notch (Member # 9892) on :
 
thanks thats was going to be my next question.also do you happen to know they're prices?
 
Posted by gercolla1 (Member # 3068) on :
 
think its 50 bucks it would be best to call them and schedule a appt [patriot]
 
Posted by SteveL (Member # 1241) on :
 
Blind has it right but you can (and should) outline the position of the current struts on the spindle. Install the new ones and try to match up the outline which can be tricky if you change brands. If you're careful, you can certainly get within a couple of tenths of a degree on camber.

While you're there, check the spacing between the inside top egde of the rim and the strut. Even if it screws up your current alignment, you want to set that before paying for the next alignment.

[ April 06, 2011, 01:01 AM: Message edited by: SteveL ]
 
Posted by 510.86.notch (Member # 9892) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by SteveL:
Blind has it right but you can (and should) outline the position of the current struts on the spindle. Install the new ones and try to match up the outline which can be tricky if you change brands. If you're careful, you can certainly get within a couple of tenths of a degree on camber.

While you're there, check the spacing between the inside top egde of the rim and the strut. Even if it screws up your current alignment, you want to set that before paying for the next alignment.
actually was thinking about that.my rim/tire were rubbing pretty bad had to install 1/4'' spacer in front.can you elaborate a little more on what you were saying.maybe in dummy term.i didn't comprehend what you were putting down.thanks for all the input i need it.

also using different strut and spindle so i couldn't mark.

[ April 06, 2011, 02:26 AM: Message edited by: 510.86.notch ]
 
Posted by 510.86.notch (Member # 9892) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by gercolla1:
think its 50 bucks it would be best to call them and schedule a appt [patriot]
thanks bro defiantly going to make a appointment there.
 
Posted by Blind (Member # 3052) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by 510.86.notch:
quote:
Originally posted by SteveL:
Blind has it right but you can (and should) outline the position of the current struts on the spindle. Install the new ones and try to match up the outline which can be tricky if you change brands. If you're careful, you can certainly get within a couple of tenths of a degree on camber.

While you're there, check the spacing between the inside top egde of the rim and the strut. Even if it screws up your current alignment, you want to set that before paying for the next alignment.
actually was thinking about that.my rim/tire were rubbing pretty bad had to install 1/4'' spacer in front.can you elaborate a little more on what you were saying.maybe in dummy term.i didn't comprehend what you were putting down.thanks for all the input i need it.

also using different strut and spindle so i couldn't mark.
when you have the new strut bolted in on top, loosely install the 2 lower bolts, then throw the tire on, grab the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and push/pull and you'll notice how much you can move the camber at the wheel itself using only the spindle/strut alignment, if you push in at 12 o'clock all the way, you might be putting the tire/wheel too close to the strut for clearance, so play with it until you have enough room.
 
Posted by SteveL (Member # 1241) on :
 
That's the process but how much space you get between the tire and the strut depends on which spindles and which rims you have.
 
Posted by 510.86.notch (Member # 9892) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Blind:
quote:
Originally posted by 510.86.notch:
quote:
Originally posted by SteveL:
Blind has it right but you can (and should) outline the position of the current struts on the spindle. Install the new ones and try to match up the outline which can be tricky if you change brands. If you're careful, you can certainly get within a couple of tenths of a degree on camber.

While you're there, check the spacing between the inside top egde of the rim and the strut. Even if it screws up your current alignment, you want to set that before paying for the next alignment.
actually was thinking about that.my rim/tire were rubbing pretty bad had to install 1/4'' spacer in front.can you elaborate a little more on what you were saying.maybe in dummy term.i didn't comprehend what you were putting down.thanks for all the input i need it.

also using different strut and spindle so i couldn't mark.
when you have the new strut bolted in on top, loosely install the 2 lower bolts, then throw the tire on, grab the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and push/pull and you'll notice how much you can move the camber at the wheel itself using only the spindle/strut alignment, if you push in at 12 o'clock all the way, you might be putting the tire/wheel too close to the strut for clearance, so play with it until you have enough room.
ok thats makes sense.thanks a million.also running stock v8 four lug spindle off a turbo coupe thunderbird and running 17x9 four lug 03 cobras all the way around.
 




Fueled by Ford Mustang Owners
on CaliforniaFords.com