Alignment Inspection Numbers

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Zardoz @ Jun 22 2007, 05:01 PM) [snapback]466586[/snapback]</div>

Do you have a quality torque wrench, a good floor stand and are willing to change a tire? If so, send me a PM with a mailing address and I'll send you a small 'shim' kit.

You'll block at least one front tire; leave the parking brake off; loosen the left rear tire lug bolts; jack up the car; put the floor stand under; and take the weight off the jack with the tire in the air. Then you take off the lug bolts and remove the left rear tire. Then you'll take off the wheel drum and inspect everything and back out the four bolts holding the wheel assembly to the axle. Then you'll put a pair of the 1/64 shims between the front two wheel assembly bolts and torque all bolts back to 38 ft-lbs. Reassemble the drum and mount the tire and let the car down.

You'll raise the right rear wheel like you did the left. This time you'll put a pair of 1/32 shims on the top two bolts and tighten them again to 38 ft-lbs. Reassemble the wheel, tire and let the car down.

Now take the car back and get the new numbers. Your rear wheels should be well within the 'green' and the front end can be aligned.

The front end alignments are nut/bolt/locking adjustments to the steering and mounting mechanisms. IF THEY ARE NOT DAMAGED, any competent shop should be able to bring everything back into the green. If not, send me a PM and we'll talk about your options.

I have made the assumption that the frame / body hasn't been bent and subsequently straightened.

GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson