Topic: new steering set up
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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Yelm, WA - USA
Joined: 7/12/2007
Posts: 356
Vette(s): 1979 L82 4 speed Scat 383 crank 190 cc Procomp Aluminum Heads 202 160 stainless valves GM Powder metal rods Speedpro H860CP Hypereutectic pistons 280 cam hydralic HEI Pro comp 1.6 roller rockers Mighty Demon 750 Sanderson CC1AP Hedders.
I just about got everything on the steering de-rusted, painted, rebuilt and back together, the control valve, cylinder, 4 new tie rod ends, new shocks, control arm bushings top and bottom, wheel bearing brakes etc.... Forgot to order the gearbox rebuild kit
The question is how do I set the 4 new tie rods, so they will be somewhat close to what it should be. I did note where the old ones were, but I am sure since everything is new and rebuilt it won't be close to the same as it was before?
I'm asking this cause I noticed a pretty big difference when I did the rear. Both the shims for the TA and my camber bolts were way off when set back to the origianl position. Having everything new and rebuilt really changed the geometry back there, so Im thinking it will be the same for the front. Should I just let it go slap it back together and haul here down to the alingment shop when she's ready or is there a basic way to set these staright.
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20225
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
With the steering wheel locked straight, and the tires pointed straight, you should measure the "toe" like this...
Measure from the center of the tires(the tread) from side to side in the front, and then measure the same at the rear of the tires. The difference in the two measurements is your "toe". If your front measure is wider than the rear, you have toe out. If it is shorter than the rear, you have toe in. You want to get it close to about 1/16" to 1/4" toe in. This will get ya to the alignment shop without shredding the tires.
hth
Measure from the center of the tires(the tread) from side to side in the front, and then measure the same at the rear of the tires. The difference in the two measurements is your "toe". If your front measure is wider than the rear, you have toe out. If it is shorter than the rear, you have toe in. You want to get it close to about 1/16" to 1/4" toe in. This will get ya to the alignment shop without shredding the tires.
hth
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in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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