Alignment Issues

[positron1]

Okay, so with the exception of the RLCA's I've replaced all the old worn out suspension on my car, I'm about to put a new set of tires on my wheels, get them mounted/balanced and finally get an alignment. I know I should have had one long before now but I didn't. There are no performance shops around here so I'm gonna have to go to somewhere like Gateway for an alignment and I want to know what I should be asking for, I know nothing about alignments so what should I be looking for when they are done. For all I know they could take my money, raise my car up and down, tell me they're done and I would be none the wiser. Before I put the new arms and what not on I could let go of the wheel and the car would slowly pull to one side but after replacing the arms, I can let go and it stays relatively straight. My pull tire has a slight toe in and negative camber but that's about it.

[94_240sx]

I bookmarked this one. zerothread/197814

It's recent topic and will help you.zerothread/238283

I'm in the same boat. I guess we just have to search and read to get some good idea on alignment. I need to adjust castor cuz my front wheel touches the back side of fender well when turn. Just slightly though.

[gumby74]

Well good for you. After all is said and done, next to the tires themselves, a good comprehensive alignment will be some of the best money you spend. As far as "custom" footwork, first ask yourself a few questions. How do I plan on driving the car? Drift, grip, drag, highway, city they all require certain compromises. (that is after all what an alignment is. a compromise.) How important is tire life or treadwear? Different settings will take different sized bites. Again, compromise. Do I plan on constantly adjusting set ups? Ride height, tracking, plain old comfort require moving stuff. The reason I point these things out is to help you inform yourself. There is more to everything than we first think. Now me personally, if a set of tires lasts me 2 years thats good. I dont buy taxi tires. Quick suggestion? Some neg. camber all around. Up to 2* for the front and up to 3* rear. Those would be far end of #'s. Zero toe in up front and up to 1/8" rear. Proper toe will reduce tire wear somewhat. (again, compromise) Max out front castor angle or go up one more degree past max. That would be 8*. These are far end numbers. Good settings I can recommend. 1.5*thru 2* neg. 0 toe at 7* castor for the front. 2* thru 2.5* neg. 1/16" toe in rear. For the record, I prefer neutral to smooth transitional oversteer.