IRS Shim question

[jackboeker83]

I am done adjusting the suspension width for my IRS and want to torque everything down but not sure about shimming the lower control arms. While putting it together the book told me to place 3 shims in the front of forward rod ends for the left and right control arm but never gave any guidance after that. The kit came with 36 or so of these suckers so I know I need place them there but on what basis. Do I have to measure something to make sure they are even?

[Bob Cowan]

Place the three shims like the instructions say. Then do the alignment, and get it really close to what you want. Place enough shims behind the front rod end to hold it tight, and check the alignment again. If you're still happy with alignment and wheel placement, put enough shims around the rear rod end to hold it in place.

[jackboeker83]

ok please excuse my ignorance but I have no idea how to do an alignment. I understand the concept but not the steps to do so. I was planning on taking it to a shop to get everything perfect and done right. Should I try to do it myself? If so does anyone have a link to the instructions? Like I said before I got the width to 59 inches just don't know what steps I need to take now (for the alignment).

[CHOTIS BILL]

Here is a link that might help.

http://www.ffcars.com/FAQ/frontend.html

Good luck,

Bill Lomenick

[CraigS]

Here are a couple of tools I use. Note there is a short paragraph w/ each describing how to use it.
http://www.longacreracing.com/catalog/item.asp?id=1572&catid=5
http://www.longacreracing.com/catalog/item.asp?id=130&catid=5
I made a mount from a piece of shelf material
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/craig-s/Aligntool.jpg
If you learn to do alignments it will pay in the long run. FFRs are just different enough that it will be difficult to find someone who understands the car. And, especially the initial alignment, is very time consuming so it will be expensive. I suspect there are plenty of alignment resources on the web although not sure about FFR specific info. The stock IRS w/o Forte's adjusters is a ton of work the first time. But once done will need just minor tweeks later.

[RoKaNo]

I followed Rich Oben's instructions for how place the shims. There are a variety of threads on the other forum

http://www.ffcars.com/forums/21-ffr-type-65-coupe/303495-irs-standard-width-lower-control-arm-mounting.html
http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/288681-irs-alignment-question.html
http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/267561-anyone-irs.html

Try and do a rough alignment before you put the panels on. The way I did it was to take the shocks/springs off and use wooden blocks to set the ride height (4 inch in front 4.5 in back). You then use a caster/ camber gauge (you can make one) and the 'string method' to set you camber and toe in.