Just got an alignment. Have a few questions. Need help!

[jacobevan611]

Well after i installed my gsx control arms I figured i'd get an alignment because it was free because my car is still under warranty. (I was worried toe was messed up in the rear, also my steering wheel wasn't straight)When I got my alignment sheet back I was actually dissapointed. It turns out that after I installed my tokico springs and shocks, I accidentally added too much washers inbetween the control arms and the frame. The reccomended camber is -2.2 -1.2. My right side is -0.3 and my left side is -0.7. I went back to the alignment shop and he said the way I have it now will actually reduce tire wear but it will not handle quite as well. He said if I removed washers he would have to charge me for a 4 wheel alignment.

Now my question is,

Should I leave it the way it is? (I don't want to because it sits slightly higher in the back and if I take out wahsers it will level it out)

Or should I remove some washer? And if so, how many? I need to correct for about 1 degree of camber so should I remove a quarter inch of washers. Will my toe be messed up to the point where it will need correcting?

What should I do??
Thanks

- Jacob

 

[PieEyedPiper]

Screw the factory specs. -0.7* is perfect rear camber in my eyes. Remove a washer or two from the -.03 side to get it to more closely match.

What is your front camber? And yes, you'll need an alignment.

 

[jacobevan611]

Really? I thought it was good to have that negative camber in the back? Do you think I should remove or 2 washers from the 0.3 side the washers are about an 1/16 of an inch thick. So if I remove the 1 or 2 washers from that side I will need an alignment? My front is -0.9 on the left and -1.0 on the right.

 

[YOOOO]

Leave it, it's fine. What kind of driving are you doing in a non turbo that -.5 degree of camber is going to make a difference? Save your tires. If it bothers you that much take a washer or 2 out of the rear.

How many washers did you add anyways? The stock bolts don't like more than a few.

 

[jacobevan611]

I actually tend to take corners quite agressively at times. My suspension setup is the most important thing to me about my car and I do care if it's perfect. Being non-turbo has nothing to do with cornering or the way you drive. If you look in my mods list most of my money is spent on handling.

Anyways if I remove one washer from the side that's 0.3 will that cut it? And will I be fine without an alignment?

Thanks.

 

[123abc]

You want more of the camber up front if you're into cornering. Like around 1.1-1.2 up front and .7-.9 at the most in the back is what I would aim for.

 

[YOOOO]

So you're saying you can routinely exceed the limits of your cars handling? on the street?

I run -1 all around for my winter set up on all season tires. Even with those I come no where close to my car's handling limit on the street. Save your tires.

 

[PieEyedPiper]

Really? I thought it was good to have that negative camber in the back? Do you think I should remove or 2 washers from the 0.3 side the washers are about an 1/16 of an inch thick. So if I remove the 1 or 2 washers from that side I will need an alignment? My front is -0.9 on the left and -1.0 on the right.

Your camber both front and back sounds great to me, I'd still want that -.03 to match closer to the -.07 though. If you change out washers you will need an alignment but as mentioned what you have going will work great. Catch it next time.

 

[jacobevan611]

Thanks PieEyedPiper! When it comes time for another alignment do you think I should remove 1 or 2 wahers from the side that's 0.3? (washers are about 1/16 of an inch thick)

 

[PieEyedPiper]

No problem, dude. I'd go for 2 washers. I hate the "guess and pay" method though. Maybe you can make the change and then for a minimal fee you can get a reading of your alignment before they align it so you can make changes if necessary. I think I've seen that available for 20 bucks?

I've been slowly narrowing mine down to perfection, over time, as I get more alignments. Currently at -.7 and -.9 from the "guess and pay" method. I'd say it's worked out well.

 

[jacobevan611]

Thanks alot are you using the washers bolt camber kit as well?

 

[KGB Pilot125]

Ask the shop about a "lifetime alignment" We sell them at my shop basically its 149.99 and you can come back as much as you want.

 

[PieEyedPiper]

Thanks alot are you using the washers bolt camber kit as well?

Yep!

Ask the shop about a "lifetime alignment" We sell them at my shop basically its 149.99 and you can come back as much as you want.

Also next on my list, problem is Firestone is 30min HWY drive away so when I'm really getting my hands dirty it's not really a viable option but I'm thinking I'll get on board anyhow. Definitely a good suggestion.

 

[jacobevan611]

When you say remove washers you mean from all 4 points on one car, like not remove 2 from the upperhalf of the control arms?