Author Topic: Front end height and alignment  (Read 2800 times)

Offline Locke

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Front end height and alignment
« on: February 08, 2015 - 12:21:42 AM »
How does lowering the front end height change alignment?
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Offline Giveitawack

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Re: Front end height and alignment
« Reply #1 on: February 08, 2015 - 12:34:11 AM »
By lowering you mean adjusting the screws?
I did that and also put on 20" wheels with more offset.
The front wheels started leaning inwards. Adjusted the cam bolts max. Still leaned inwards.
Had to go with Moog offset bushings on the upper control arms. Now the angles are OK.
Suspect that the toe in have changed also. Haven't checked though.

Offline Locke

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Re: Front end height and alignment
« Reply #2 on: February 08, 2015 - 09:35:37 AM »
Right- lowering the front end using the adjusting bolts. I had the front end aligned but they set the front a little too high so wondering what lowering will change.
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Offline OUTLAW

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Re: Front end height and alignment
« Reply #3 on: February 08, 2015 - 09:43:02 AM »
mostly changes camber  (tilt of the top of the tire) caster and toe changes less    how much did you lower the front (at the bumper)

Offline Locke

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Re: Front end height and alignment
« Reply #4 on: February 08, 2015 - 10:06:37 AM »
I haven't lowered it yet but thinking about 1 inch
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Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Front end height and alignment
« Reply #5 on: February 08, 2015 - 09:20:18 PM »
the toe in also changes , as the tie rods change angle it will alter the toe in settings

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Offline HP2

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Re: Front end height and alignment
« Reply #6 on: February 08, 2015 - 10:37:11 PM »
I had the front end aligned but they set the front a little too high so wondering what lowering will change.

If the front was a little too high after alignment, I'd bet money they aligned it to stock specs. Did they give you a spec sheet of the alignment they ended up with?  What tires do yo have on it?

Offline OUTLAW

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Re: Front end height and alignment
« Reply #7 on: February 09, 2015 - 12:51:08 AM »
ya toe changes ....in fact it all changes but not near as much as camber.Because of un equal length control arms  they swing in an arc as they go up and down 
1 inch drop you probably wouldn't notice it steering any different but your tires will know and start cupping and wearing uneven.
I would either leave it and know it is in alignment or drop it to look good and make them realign it for free. It will take them longer to set up the alignment rack  than  it will to actually change it

Offline Locke

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Re: Front end height and alignment
« Reply #8 on: February 09, 2015 - 04:05:58 PM »
I had the alignment checked because I put on new tires.  255/45/17 front and 295/45/18 rear.  The specs they set it to are +1.5 caster and +.3 camber but it really needs the nose to go down more.  I've heard that using offset bushings on the upper arms allows for more camber, I'll probably change to those, set the front height the way I like it and then take it back for re-alignment.
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Offline HP2

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Re: Front end height and alignment
« Reply #9 on: February 09, 2015 - 07:03:13 PM »
The offset bushing installed as directed produce more camber. Installed opposite of the directions can provide more caster.  More caster is preferred over more camber because it will provide additional high speed stability, better return to center characteristics, and better keep the tire in contact with the road as the suspension cycles.

When doing an alignment, ride height is the first measurement set. I'd suggest  you set this yourself and advise them to not change it. Then ask for as much positive caster as possible and balance that out with -1 to zero degrees of camber. The positive camber you have now was fine for skinny bias ply tires, but with the modern radials you have now, negative camber will help with road holding without odd wear.

If they are a computerized shop and can't input manual specs, ask for a 2005 Mustang GT spec. They won't be able to duplicate it exactly, but the closer they come, the better it will feel.

Offline dodj

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Re: Front end height and alignment
« Reply #10 on: February 09, 2015 - 08:48:30 PM »
With the moog offset bushings installed for a better caster #, the alignment shop managed to get +3* caster and -.5* camber. They are worth the $50.  :2cents:
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