RUCAS installation, advice needed....

[amolao]

K-sports on a 1989 hatch......I tried to search thru the FAQ to no avail, too many dead links....I just got coilovers installed, got the car aligned but the rear is out of tolerance due the height of the coilovers. I went and got the SPL RUCAS and I will be installing those this weekend. Is there a pre setting or default adjustment required prior or during RUCAS installation...? (In preparation for the final alignment at the shop...)Is the upper arm eccentric bolt the only adustment that pertains to camber??Is the eccentric bolt replaced with a regular bolt and washer before installation of the new RUCAS???

Thanks, Im mecanichally inclined but when it comes to alignment, Im at a loss....

[naed240sx]

You leave the eccentric in place. Can't easily replace it. Just set them both at the same place.

Adjust the rucas to slightly longer or the same length as the stock ones, then drive to get it aligned.

The rucas have two jam nuts. Starting with none of the threads exposed, turn the middle nut while holding the ruca and rod end in place. This will lengthen both threaded portions of the ruca at the same time.

Adjusting it is as simple as loosening the jam nuts, and turning that middle nut, then re-tightening the jam nuts. You can adjust them without lifting the rear end just fine.

Rucas should be adjusted first during alignment, and then toe, because the rucas change your toe setting slightly.

[amolao]

Naed you are the master guru when it comes to suspension issues, appreciate your help. I want to make sure that Im clear on where the adjustments are. Please see attached pic (rather primitive diagram...) are those the two OE eccentric locations??? Toe and camber...so the bolt (for the eccentric camber ) slides out and the nut/spacer stays on the factory upper camber arm??? Im messing with the rucas for now until I can get the toe arms later on....

[naed240sx]

I see no diagram.

Once you remove the eccentric bolt, you will understand how it all goes together.

Using a wrench and a breaker, or two big wrenches, remove the nut on the eccentric bolt. As long as there is no load on the ruca, you should be able to slide, or gently tap out the eccentric bolt at this point. If it isn't coming out well, hold the washer while rotating and pulling the bolt head. The washer has a groove that fits into the bolt, and if it doesn't line up, the bolt won't come out.

Once you get it out, it all makes sense.

BTW, remember that you must disconnect the lower shock mount to slide the ruca down over the damper to remove/replace it.

[amolao]

SOrry here is the diagram....

[amolao]

So should I reuse the eccentric bolt to put my rucas back on or a straight bolt/nut will do??? Im wondering because after the install there wont be a camber adjustment anymore (other than at the rucas itself...)...

thanks

[naed240sx]

Yes that drawing is correct. The toe rod is connected to the side of the spindle, so if you change the length of it, you change toe. The ruca is attached to the top of the spindle, so naturally, it would change camber if adjusted.

The eccentric has to stay. I told you this earlier, and mentioned that it can't be easily replaced. Torque them down, and then use the ruca for alignments.

[amolao]

thanks