Front end alignment problem

[tarquin]

Hi, I restored my GT some 8 years ago now, and upon buying the shell painted but in bits, I found that the drivers side front upper shock mount (the one you see from inside the engine bay, by the brake push rod) did not line up.

On further inspection, I could see that the nose had undergone alot of modification, so I assumed that the shell was a bit twisted, hence why the top of the shock miss aligns in its mounting hole, outwards by about half and inch.

I also have the tyre on that side wearing badly on the outer edge, and if you look at it, compared with the other side, you can see that it is alot out.

Now, when I first finished it, I took it to have its alignment set, but was told it was too far out to set.

Now, I am starting to think that maybe the shell is not actually twisted but the suspension frame is bent outwards at the top, due to an impact at the bottom of that wheel...or the fact that the suspension was left off the car for so long, the spring pull distorted it.

Anyway, to the point of my request, can anyone measure or give me what the correct distance of the top of the suspension should be so i can work out if its the shell or the suspension frame? Getting a measurement from the inner wing bolts to its opposite side would be great.

What I am thinking, is that if the tyre is not aligned correctly and wearing on the outer edge, and the top does not line up, then it points to the suspension being bent, rather than the shell.

Thanks in advance.

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by tarquin Anyway, to the point of my request, can anyone measure or give me what the correct distance of the top of the suspension should be so i can work out if its the shell or the suspension frame? Getting a measurement from the inner wing bolts to its opposite side would be great.

Not sure I got the measurement where you wanted it from but maybe you can work with me. I have a suspension sitting on the floor that I measured. I measured inside cup to inside cup where the top of the shock stud comes through. I started to measure to the top of the shock stud itself but figured since it is mounted in rubber it wouldn't be very accurate. Anyway my measurement was ~29" or 73.660cm. If this isn't an answer that you can work with let me know.

HTH,
Harold

[tarquin]

Cheers Harold, can you give me the measurement between the upper inner edges of the bug 'u' shaped frame and the centers.

See below what I am after:

http://www.perception-graphics.co.uk...suspension.jpg

Oh, those top cups just pull off.

Thanks mate

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by tarquin Cheers Harold, can you give me the measurement between the upper inner edges of the bug 'u' shaped frame and the centers. See below what I am after: http://www.perception-graphics.co.uk...suspension.jpg Oh, those top cups just pull off. Thanks mate

My first measurements were to welded cups that are part of the suspension. The cups with the 'ears' are sometimes hard to get off.

My second measurement is 30.75"/78.105cm center to center. This measurement is a little more accurate than my first one.

Harold

[tarquin]

thank pal!

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by tarquin thank pal!

Welcome, Cuz!
Harold

[GTJIM]

I have a bare crossmember on the floor Down Under - the measurement on mine from inner cup to inner cup (your lower red line) is 725mm
Did not calculate a centre to centre - but just add the diameter of one cup.

Be aware that if the front suspension has had a 'bingle' then both the A-arms and the spindle is likely bent too - they are quite delicate.

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by GTJIM I have a bare crossmember on the floor Down Under - the measurement on mine from inner cup to inner cup (your lower red line) is 725mm Did not calculate a centre to centre - but just add the diameter of one cup. Be aware that if the front suspension has had a 'bingle' then both the A-arms and the spindle is likely bent too - they are quite delicate.

There appears to be approx. 11mm difference between our two measurements. Because mine is complete with springs, manufacturing tolerances or one of ours is out of spec also. I hate to drag another one out but may have to now.

Harold

[tarquin]

11mm funnily enough is about what its out by. I assume the measurement went from the most upper/narrowest point of the inner edge?

This frame should not move, spring or no spring, but maybe if they are left out of the car for years, it spreads them?

[tarquin]

can anyone measure the bonnet shut directly above the turrets?

shortest distance from the inner most point?

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by tarquin 11mm funnily enough is about what its out by. I assume the measurement went from the most upper/narrowest point of the inner edge?

My measurement was. I don't feel like my measurement could be that far wrong. Jim is a machinist, by trade so I trust his measurement.

This frame should not move, spring or no spring, but maybe if they are left out of the car for years, it spreads them?

I don't think in or out of the car, springs or no springs would have any effect on them.

Harold