Random generic alignment question(s)

[kowboydmac]

Long story short, I need an alignment bad.

I'm going to install adjustable control arms to help out with the alignment, but my question in terms of a generic alignment is ... what can I do to my tie rods, tension rods and eventually control arms, to at least make it to the shop? Trying to get some pointers on what I can eyeball, as I don't really have a driveway to do any kind of string method. My buddy told me about using a laser pointer to help out, but I'd have to get back with him on what he means in detail.

Any kind of measurements or generalities about adjustable tension rods and control arms would be greatly appreciated!

Again, sorry to sound noobish, but I'm trying to keep things in layman's terms

[nissangirl74]

Can it be driven at all? Why is it out of alignment? Has it been wrecked? Could use a few more details but it sounds like it would be safer to throw it on a trailer and just haul it to the shop.

[TTkickedin]

Do you have the FSM? (factory service manual?) Page 9/Front axle and suspension should tell you the factory alignment specifications, either tha tor your alignment shop will tell you.

It would help to know the full functions (camber/caster/toe) of all supsension components to know what component (s) is causing the misalignment


heres a few things that can affect alignment:

For information about tension rods in general, and how to install them on a z32, check this link.
http://z32.wikispaces.com/Tension+Rod You can adjust tension rods for front toe, but it will not be exact if done in your garage.(unless you have an alignment rack which i doubt...) Must be adjusted by professionals.

For front upper camber arms (FUCA) click here http://z32.wikispaces.com/Front+Upper+Control+Arm

(You can find RUCA information there as well.)

If getting full coilovers, try to get ones that have 'pillowball' upper mounts. The pillowball mounts will further adjust your camber and will eliminate the deflection of the OEM rubber upper mounts via a spherical bearing setup. If you have coilovers that do not have these type of mounts, it will just lower your car and give you negative camer, to correct, use FUCA and RUCA's and use your pillowball mounts to make minute adjustments.

Specialty Z sells rear toe rods to correct bad toe angle and save tire wear. ISIS (enjuku) also sells their own.. so does Battle version. Bad rear toe angle happens when a car experiences a major suspension drop.

This is all I know. hope it helps.

[TTkickedin]

One more thing, alignment is something you should definitely have done at a shop. Just saying. But to get you there, you can follow some steps in thhis article http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/chas ... ewall.html

[300ZXttZMAN]

With most aftermarket adjustable suspension components you are supposed to match them to the factory part's specs (length, position, ect) then you can either drive or haul your car to a alignment shop and adjust as desired there.

Thats what it says in the directions on my Powertrix and SPL suspension parts.

There are also directions for pre installation, installation, and after installation.

[kowboydmac]

Thanks for the replies fellas.

I'll elaborate a bit more:

Last year I installed new tie rods and adjustable tension rods, and matched them up to the OEM length. Car drove straight and I didn't notice any wear on my tires. Added Energy polyurethane sway bar bushings and steering rack bushings. Car still drove straight, but had a slight pull.

My own personal negligence is at fault ( ) for not getting an alignment after that, but I did take notice of the tire wear, and the car was driving fine, relatively speaking.

Fast forward to a couple months ago, I installed Powertrix coilovers. I set them as close (within an ~inch) to stock height as I could. Now, when I drive, the front tires have incredible wear on the insides. Example of my previous Nankangs:





As a test, I extended the driver side tension rod a bit, and that tire hasn't won as severe, but the current driver side tire is wearing so fast, it's no use for me to try and save it. Regardless, I'm going to install my adjustable control arms and new tires all at once, so I'm curious about some generic measurements to go off of.

As I know the stock arms are a bit short, I assume to extend the adjustable FUCA about 1/2 an inch or so. That should moderately compensate for my negative camber, correct? Since I extended my passenger tension rod a few threads (Would have to count, as I eyeballed it just as a test) I assume I should equal that thread length on the passenger side, considering the wear on the passenger tire isn't nearly as severe.

I'm not going slammed at all, which is part of my curiosity as to why my camber is so negative.

Now to check out all of these posted links lol

[kowboydmac]

Also - the rear tires have been fine! I swapped my old 16" stock wheels on there with some BFG tires, they looked the same when I pulled those off to put the new General GMAX AS-03's on my 18" wheels, which still look new.

[TTkickedin]

I'm not trying to sound rude here, don't take this the wrong way, but are you trying to avoid going to an alignment shop? The solution seems so cut and dry, they will know how to correct the issues you're having that day. i think they'd even be happier to know that you have adjustable suspension components so they can take less time on it

Again, the best advice i can give you from my perspective would be to just go get it done while it's still driveable, trying to diagnose improper alignment by yourself is a challenge without the right equipment. Every suspension setup is different. Settings that work for one z might not work for another setup, so finding figures and measurements without a very accurate way of measuring this on your car wouldn't necessarily help you; It's just going to move the problem around your suspension until your tires wear out anyway.

[kowboydmac]

I'm not trying to sound rude here, don't take this the wrong way, but are you trying to avoid going to an alignment shop? The solution seems so cut and dry, they will know how to correct the issues you're having that day. i think they'd even be happier to know that you have adjustable suspension components so they can take less time on it

Again, the best advice i can give you from my perspective would be to just go get it done while it's still driveable, trying to diagnose improper alignment by yourself is a challenge without the right equipment. Every suspension setup is different. Settings that work for one z might not work for another setup, so finding figures and measurements without a very accurate way of measuring this on your car wouldn't necessarily help you; It's just going to move the problem around your suspension until your tires wear out anyway.

Honestly, I was waiting to acquire all the parts for the best alignment, and waiting for a good lead on a reputable alignment shop. I'm not a fan of franchise type shops, and that's pretty much what's locally accessible. Now that I know of a good alignment shop, I plan on ordering new tires tomorrow and getting everything installed next week, and the initial drive thereafter would be to go get it aligned in Orlando.

I understand the variables, but thought it was worth a shot to ask anyway. I'll figure something out! Thanks again!

[TTkickedin]

Yeah I was thinking that as well. When i decide to move to coilovers i should be getting my alignment done at Dent Sport Garage up where I'm at. They're like literally the only GOOD performance shop around my way, (they built a pretty sick 240rs)

Check around for some local performance shops around your way. IDK how far Orlando is from Kissimmee but you might be surprised to find that your local performance shops do alignment changes for lowered cars. I have a feeling a jiffy lube or some s*** probably doesnt even know what a steering rack is let alone how to adjust a camber arm.

[kowboydmac]

Most of the speed shops I've seen are more Honda oriented. I suppose the procedures are relatively the same, I'd rather this shop called Tredalign complete the alignment. Those guys align everything, from RV's to Hot rods. Highly doubt I'll find another place with that much collective experience.

[TTkickedin]

That'd be your best bet I'm sure. Wish you luck!