Stock suspension

**melwoods** · 08-11-2005, 06:28 AM

2001 T/A WS-6.
I've got a stock suspension and I need a front end alignment. Before I go to my local garage, I'd like to know if there is anything outside of the norm with my suspension that they may want to say "this is gonna cost extra". You know, stuff like McPherson struts or something like that. As always, any and all input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks to all...
Mel

**Eugenio_SS** · 08-11-2005, 06:24 PM

anything that makes you believe something is wrong with it ?
I would say not to worry about it and don't accept any changes/quote he gives you.
The only thing I can think of is some dead bushings or end-links... but that ain't expensive.
alignment should be a straight-fwd thing.
btw, try to align the car to the following specs.
camber: -0.5'
caster: +4.5'
toe: 0"

stock specs are:
camber: 0.0' to +1.0'

that means tires are like this \---------/
caster: +4.3' to +5.3'
toe: 0" +/- 1/32"

get away from the positive camber... it'll kill the handling and the tire wear.

**melwoods** · 08-12-2005, 09:37 AM

I'm think I need an alignment because when I take my hand off of the wheel, she drifts left. Also, when doing a hard brake, she veers left.

I'll take your advice Eugeno_SS and try to get the mech. to align like you suggested.

Thanks...
Mel

**VChula** · 08-12-2005, 04:20 PM

"I'm think I need an alignment because when I take my hand off of the wheel, she drifts left. Also, when doing a hard brake, she veers left."

This may sound silly but, did you check the air pressure in your tires?

A low tire can easily cause the drifting you speak of.

**mrbobo** · 08-13-2005, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by Eugenio_SS

btw, try to align the car to the following specs.
camber: -0.5'
caster: +4.5'
toe: 0"

stock specs are:
camber: 0.0' to +1.0'

that means tires are like this \---------/
caster: +4.3' to +5.3'
toe: 0" +/- 1/32"

get away from the positive camber... it'll kill the handling and the tire wear.

I tried that alignment , and it's great. It feels much better, and 10k miles later, my tires are wearing even. Don't listen to any BS from the alignment shop that it's going to wear your tires on the inside, etc. It rocks.

**mrr23** · 08-14-2005, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by melwoods

I'm think I need an alignment because when I take my hand off of the wheel, she drifts left. Also, when doing a hard brake, she veers left.

Thanks...
Mel

that kinda tells you it's a brake related pull. unless the cross caster is way off to the tune of 1+* difference.

**melwoods** · 08-15-2005, 01:26 PM

Tire pressure is fine and I have noticable tread wear on the outside portion of the driver side tire. Although there isn't any noise when I brake nor any noticable wear on the rotors, it may be a breaking issue. I'll go the alignment route first and I'll post a follow up.

Thanks...

14SECV6 · 08-17-2005, 12:04 PM

Great way to put it Eugenio, we need more members like you that have all of the numbers ready to tell people how to get exactly mod their car.

**MadSeason** · 08-21-2005, 10:21 PM

I'm going to have to try that camber setup, just purchased a new fbody and I knew it was going to need tires, but after I replaced the suspension I had to get an alignment done and sure enough, the outside wore out first. Time to try out the new camber