Caster off. Need adjustable Upper Control Arms.

[DBordersX]

Ok guys. Here's the deal. I just came back from the alignment shop and they told me my caster is off significantly and that's keeping them from properly doing the alignment. Apparently, they aligned the wheels so they go straight on their own but because of the caster (not entirely clear what that is still either) it will still pull slightly to the right.

They quoted me at about $800 for the parts. I know that's ridiculous and that's why I never buy the parts from shops. I looked around (briefly) and found $480 a pair chamber and caster adjustable upper control arms at RRE.

I'm wondering a couple of things. I'm wondering how bad this will be if I DON'T fix it (at least not right now). I'm also wondering if I can get the upper control arms I need somewhere else cheaper. I want good parts but at a good price. I know RRE is usually good about that but I'd like to see what my options are.

Also, if any of you have had prior experience with this I would appreciate your input.

Thanks in advance guys.

Oh, and I was also wondering if this is something I may have to end up upgrading later along with the rest of my suspension toys. I know there's usually something about chamber kits and pillow mounts or something. Basically I'm looking for peace of mind. I'll feel better if I know it's something I'll get later anyway. Then it's not like I'm throwing $600 down the drain.

 

[DirtyBirdRacing]

caster (not entirely clear what that is still either)

Hi,

Caster is the angle between the steer axis of the steering system and a line that is perpendicular to the road at the tire contact patch, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (looking at the side of the car in other words)

In other words, draw a line connecting the center of the lower ball joint and the center of the upper ball joint. This is the steer axis. Then draw a line that goes through the center of the contact patch and is perpendicular to the contact patch. The angle between these two lines is the caster angle.

Caster is used to add self-aligning torque to steering systems, along with other things. The self-aligning torque helps in straight line stability, and it is the reason why your steering wheel wants to make itself "turn back" to straight when you are in a turn, hence self-aligining torque.

Hope that you understand caster better now. Sorry I couldn't help with your actual problem.

Bill

 

[wret]

Did they give you actual readings? Some amount of side to side caster difference is designed into the suspension to compensate for crowned roads. This difference can be deleted by flipping the bushing on the drivers side lower comression control arm, although I believe 95's may not have used a "flipped" bushing. You can understand what this is by reading this thread.

 

[DBordersX]

thanks guys. they did give me the actual measurements. I don't know exactly what degrees are attributed to what side but I know it's 1 degree off on the wrong side. They said it's typical to have the caster set to let my car drift to the left (to compensate for the standard 2% grade from the CL of almost all roads). Mine however, due to the idiot I bought the car from hitting something, has a tendency to drift to the right. So my suspension is not only succumbing to the slight gravitational force toward the edge of the pavement, but helping it by about a degree. if that makes any sense.

I think I've decided that I'll just get the arms from RRE. I won't be able to sleep at night if I skimp on anything. Do it once, do it right. It will just take me longer to get the fun stuff