Alignment procedure

[unklpat]

Is there a definitive process to adjust caster and camber on our roadsters? I was under the impression that those 2 settings were done at the upper control arm to spindle mount. Is there any adjustment done at the lower control arm? My alignment shop says that they can't access the left lower bolts, due to the header. Can someone enlighten me, or point to something that might spell it out?
My car came out with unequal caster L/R, and uneven positive camber as well. Toe seems okay, if not a bit high.
Here are the specs.
Caster left 3.09
Caster right 2.55
camber left 0.02
camber right 0.85
Toe left .03"
toe right .05"
total toe .09"
I am thinking I should have around 2 caster, and -1 camber, is that correct?
I have an appointment to have them show me why things are different, and to have them adjust the camber correctly, and would like to have some knowledge when I go. These cars are new to me, and I'd appreciate any help. Thanks Pat

[Linda]

The Tech Wiki has several links for alignment, just do a search to see them.
Linda

[RustBucket]

This is what I had in my notes from some thread on here many years ago....
Sprited Road Toe-in: 2~3 mm or 1/16~1/8 of an inch - go towards min 2mm
Sprited Road Camber: 1 degree of negative camber - go for 1.25 deg
Sprited Road Caster: 2~3 degrees of positive caster - go for 2 deg
Should all be at the upper A-arm adjustment bolts.
Rustbucket

[unklpat]

THanks, I've looked at the wiki, and know the specs are there. I was more interested in the process, and any variables that would require adjusting the lowers. Again, is there any reason to remove headers to do a proper alignment? I appreciate any info. Pat

[Tomc18]

You only shim the upper arm, no reason to touch the lower

[Linda]

Some good info on alignment
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=20875

[unklpat]

Thanks, I've read every old thread on alignment, and no one mentioned the lowers, that's why I am here. I know there are differing opinions on specs, and plan on going with Gordon's when I get to the point that both sides can be the same.
I inspected My car this morning and have the following shim arrangement on UCA's

left front 3 shims
left rear 2 shims
right front 0 shims
right rear 0 shims
Should I be looking for a frame shop? Thanks Pat

[dads311]

You are correct, there are no adjustments to be made on the lower control arm. It looks like all of your adjustments need to go negative by adding shims. Main thing to look out for is the bolt length through the control arm. Some have had to go to longer bolts. It will just take time for the shop to get it right, which a lot of them don't do or they will charge shop rate. Most alignment techs now days don't understand systems with upper and lower control arms, but give them a strut suspension and an eccentric cam and they are good to go. Good luck

[redroadster]

Check the. Ball joint play?
I did alignments at datsun / nissan. Maybe 6_8. 311s
Most were kind of off as yours reads but drove good
You need it on a ramp 4 post to check the ride height
On align I set both sides as even as poss.caster even is a bit more important than camber if you have to choose one
1/8"
Toe in
Yeah froze up adjuster nuts / bolts will cost you

[unklpat]

Thanks Guys, I stopped by my old shop, and the kid said there's no way it shouldn't be perfect. I basically paid them for an alignment where no specs are correct. I had them replace the upper control arms, lower ball joints, and right tie rod at the same time,($545.00) so no slop anywhere. I think after a day and a half, the tech was tired of it. If they don't want to do it right, I'll ask for my alignment money back, (additional $98) and take it to my old shop.
I'll let you know how it turns out, and I appreciate your time. Pat

[Linda]

I wouldn’t trust them to get any of it right, so I would check what they “replaced”.
You do need the longer bolts to ensure they don’t come loose, as they are prone to do .
Now you know why many people try to do as much as they can themselves, with the poor service out there.
Kind of tricky on alignments, but some have done it with some special tools.
In any case , good luck. It is always disappointing to get ripped off..
Linda

[unklpat]

I provided the parts, and they are all there, and not ripped off yet,we'll educate them tomorrow. I've sent a lot of business thru this shop, I think they'll make it right. Are the bolts 1/4-20, 2"? I'm guessing there might be 4 or 5 shimd on drivers front UCA. Pat

[Linda]

Re control arm bolts:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=29521

Linda

[unklpat]

Thanks Linda, 4 hours later I they got it close, but bolts were too short. I will pick some up and take it to the young enthusiastic shop that just straightened My Saab subframe today, to equalize camber, at no extra charge.
Current specs
left caster 2.15
right caster 2.61
left camber -.77
right camber -.80
toe in.02
I think he was too burnt to adjust toe correctly.
Thanks for all your help Pat

[MattC]

I got my longer bolts from NAPA.