MKIV Roadster UCA Measurement questions...

[Jmatuk]

Greetings all. I've just started my build which I'm documenting on youtube @J6cobrabuild. Be sure to like n follow!

I've started on the front suspension and hit my first "Hmmm... well that's interesting!" moment.

I'm sure everyone here knows what I'm talking about with the Front UCA's and needing to shorten the rearward adjuster sleeve on the UCA in order to achieve the factory spec of 7* Caster, or more for a car with Power Steering and a Coyote engine.

I've studied the process and believe I understand what that entails.

So my question is "Can I get the Caster set to the factory spec w/o shortening the rear adjuster sleeve?"

The FFR techs said "Just get it as close as you can and let the alignment shop worry about it." I'd rather shorten the sleeve now, if needed, so I don't have to pay someone to do it later.

Thoughts, advice is greatly appreciated.

[JohnK]

So my question is "Can I get the Caster set to the factory spec w/o shortening the rear adjuster sleeve?"

The answer is... maybe.

The next question is, would you rather shorten the adjuster sleeves now, or later on when the car is finished and you're trying to align it and discover that you can't get to the alignment specs you want? :D

[Jeff Kleiner]

Do it now...unless you want to pay the alignment guy to disassemble the suspension and make modifications after it's on his rack and finds out that he can't get the specs you want (that is, if he even will do it!). Don't just shorten the sleeve. You also need to shorten the male threads that the sleeves engage by a similar amount otherwise they can bottom out internally and prevent you from being able to achieve the desired lengths.

Jeff

[Mike.Bray]

^^^What he said^^^

[egchewy79]

do it now. there's a fella on the forums who has a lathe who will do it for you for free plus cost of shipping. can't remember exactly who offers the service but do a quick search and you should find the answer.

[Blitzboy54]

Jeff speaks the truth

[Jmatuk]

Thanks for all the reply's. Good to know you're all out there!

In regards to the measurements indicated on page 48 of the build manual.

Should I be using those measurements as a "Rough" measurement? To get things close enough?

I'm making a video of this particular evolution for posterity so consider yourselves "Technical Advisors"

[AndrewIdaho]

I used Jeff's measurement photo shared in this thread to roughly set the UCA earlier this week after cutting the sleeves and bolts.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?46143-Upper-control-arms%97-yes-again Post #4