Wheel alignment Detail

[Cleve]

We are getting ready to take my Mk4 Roadster for my wheel alignment. The alignment shops don't have software to align a cobra. I have been told to use the data of a 250 Mustang GT for wheel alignment . I would need a late Mustang data that has the independent suspension, as that is what my Roadster has. What year GT Mustang would you recommend to use for the front and rear wheel alignment for my MK4 Roadster?
Thanks,
Cleve

[Jeff Kleiner]

DO NOT use Mustang specs for alignment. What you want is:

Front
.5 to .75 degree negative camber
7 to 8 degrees positive caster with power steering OR 3 to 3.5 degrees positive caster with manual steering
3/32" (.21 degree) total toe in

Rear
.5 degree negative camber
1/8" (.28 degree) total toe in

If the shop won't or is not capable of aligning it using your specs you need a different shop...find an old school guy who doesn't need the computer to tell him what to do ;)

Jeff

[JMD]

Like Jeff said, if they need a make and model to set alignment go somewhere else. If they can input custom specs and get it done without fussing about it, you've found the right place.

[CraigS]

I wouldn't be quite that harsh. It's been 12 yrs since I retired but I was using a 3yr old Hunter alignment until then. IE the best there is. The way the computer controlling the screen was set up it was easiest to pic a car make, model etc, to get started. It's been too long to remember details but the process was slightly different if one chose a model w/ a solid rear axle. For you I'd pick a 2015+ Mustang since that is the year the current IRS started. Once everything is set up, the tech can ignore the provided specs and use Greg's specs.

[JMD]

I wouldn't be quite that harsh. It's been 12 yrs since I retired but I was using a 3yr old Hunter alignment until then. IE the best there is. The way the computer controlling the screen was set up it was easiest to pic a car make, model etc, to get started. It's been too long to remember details but the process was slightly different if one chose a model w/ a solid rear axle. For you I'd pick a 2015+ Mustang since that is the year the current IRS started. Once everything is set up, the tech can ignore the provided specs and use Greg's specs.

Agreed, but a competent operator will know how to do all that on his own. If he doesn't know enough about cars or custom alignments to figure it out and needs you to do it for him (i.e. has to ask you for a make and model to start from), find another place.

[Gaijin]

DO NOT use Mustang specs for alignment. What you want is:

Front
.5 to .75 degree negative camber
7 to 8 degrees positive caster with power steering OR 3 to 3.5 degrees positive caster with manual steering
3/32" (.21 degree) total toe in

Rear
.5 degree negative camber
1/8" (.28 degree) total toe in

If the shop won't or is not capable of aligning it using your specs you need a different shop...find an old school guy who doesn't need the computer to tell him what to do ;)

Jeff

Jeff,

I too recently upgraded my wheels and tires to 17” fitment (FFR Halibrands and Mickey Thompson package). I have a Mk3 with Fox Body set-up (circa 1992) but have rear disc brakes and power steering.

Do I use your parameters for my alignment?

[Railroad]

Fortunately for me, the alignment mechanic enjoyed doing my alignment. He let me stay on site while working.
The frame of the machine made an excellent base for setting the ride height before doing any adjustments.
The shop owner was having a fit, because we took so long, front and rear alignment.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Jeff,

I too recently upgraded my wheels and tires to 17” fitment (FFR Halibrands and Mickey Thompson package). I have a Mk3 with Fox Body set-up (circa 1992) but have rear disc brakes and power steering.

Do I use your parameters for my alignment?

Yes. Of course there will be no camber or toe measurements for your straight axle rear end.

Jeff