by Robbert D 70`Chally (383m » 09 Apr 2002 8:56
I am ashamed to confess that I spoiled a set of brand new front tires because of wrong wheel alignment. Between diagnosing wrong alignment (al little wear on a unusual place) and the second check were only some 1500 kms, but that appeared enough to destroy the tires. They still appear new when standing next to the car, but the inner half inch of the roadhugging surface is worn to the thread (canvas comming out…). Remarkably handling felt not that bad at all. (I know what good handling is, did y’all know that one would loose a 350++ horsepower all R/T options Challenger with a 79 cui 70 horsepower koni equiped 15 year old $400 European family car in a VERY CURVY neighbourhood in a Dutch city in no time on handling only?)
Dave, as for wheel alignment specifications you suggested:
-quote-
2 degrees positive caster.
1 degree negative camber
3/32" toe in.
That will get it handling well.
-unquote
My 1970 Dodge Service Manual states on page 2-14:
Camber -Left-------------------------- +1/4 ° to +3/4 ° (1/2 ° preferred)
Camber -Right-------------------------- 0 ° to +1/2 ° (1/4 ° preferred)
(Caster -Manual Steering-------------- 0 ° to –1 ° (-1/2 ° preferred))
Caster -Power Steering----------------- +1/4 to + 1-1/4 ° (+3/4 ° preferred)
Height standard AND Heavy Duty (??) -- 1-3/16” +/- 1/8”
Side to side Difference maximum 1/8”
Toe-in ------------------------------- 3/32 to 5/32”(1/8 preferred)
The differences with your (Daves) suggestion are astounding. Is this difference explicable from the suspected American preference of straight ahead stability at the cost of curve handling versus the more curvy European compromise, or is something wrong here?
BTW, I have a set of Polygraphite Bushings I inherited from the previous owner, who did not have them mounted yet as the currently mounted original rubber ones are still in exellent shape. Would in this case mounting them change the alignment noticably?
Ok guys ’n girls, I will start her up right now to get a new set of tires.