Front end adjuster sleeves

[gofastoldguy]

In an effort to correct my low caster setting, I purchase (2) 5" steel upper control arm sleeves. My front end guy put them on the rear facing adjustment arm. Should they go on the front adj arm? or do I need 4 total for front and rear. As it is now, the reading are all 2-3 degrees positive on camber and caster. There is no more adjustment available and the top of the tire is way too positive instead of 1 degree negative. Can you advise? Thx
BBryan

[Jeff Kleiner]

Bryan,
Got your e-mail message but am answering here to show a photo. The long sleeves go on the forward link (note the tie rod indicating the front of the car):

http://www.ffcars.com/forums/attachments/factory-five-roadsters/30040d1329522046-lots-caster-warning-p2170049.jpg

This photo shows roughly how the driver's side UCA will be configured for a high positive caster range (6-8 degrees) along with ~ 1/2 degree negative camber. You may find that you'll need to adjust the upper coilover spacers with a longer one in the front and shorter to the back to move it rearward in order to avoid UCA interference. Note that this photo was of a builder's mockup only and illustrates the insufficient thread engagement that occurs with the short sleeves at high caster settings.

http://www.ffcars.com/forums/attachments/factory-five-roadsters/32471d1336356306-lots-caster-warning-100_1649.jpg

Good luck,
Jeff

[Olli]

Jeff, I can't see the pictures...just red Xs.


Olli

[Woody C]

the pics are visible to me using Firefox.
Woody

[Olli]

Now I can see the pictures....

Olli

[Someday I Suppose]

I cant see the pics either, maybe a work setting, but if my memory is correct I put longer sleeves on all 4, but the rear ones are adjusted almost all the way in at right around 4.5 caster and camber I think we landed at around - 3/4. You may be able to get away with the stock adjusters in the back depending on how much you are trying to get.

Scott

[gofastoldguy]

Jeff...thx for the quick response. I see the initial problem...my guyput them on the rear adjuster. We will fix that today. Will the stock, shorter rear adjuster be OK to use? Will I be able to get 6-8 deg Caster and 1 deg neg camber? Sorry to bother you with these dumb questions but I want to get it done right and learn at the same time. Thanks again, Bill

[Jeff Kleiner]

Yes, the original black sleeves will work for the rear leg.

Jeff

[gofastoldguy]

14468
Thx again, will advise outcome. Picture is after new body and paint. Bill

[gofastoldguy]

Jeff...went back to the alignment shop to install the 5" sleeves in the forward location and the smaller ones in the rear. We were able to get up to 9 degrees positive but unable to get the camber to 1 degree negative. You can see the read out for yourself. The adjusters are out of threads on the front and back. Backed off the front adjuster but still was not able to lower the camber. This is silly! We must be doing something wrong obviously. Can you advise further? Thx.
P.S. If you email me your telephone number I can call you while we are in progress. You can trust me...no strange calls in the night!
Thx
Bill

[CHOTIS BILL]

It looks like the springs are different from side to side. Is that the case or does it just look that way?

Bill Lomenick

[Jeff Kleiner]

Change your upper control arm mounting to the inner set of holes and your camber will go more negative.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Untitled-18.jpg

Cheers,
Jeff

[gofastoldguy]

Thx Jeff. Didn't know they were there. No one ever mentioned this to me before when changing sleeves for more caster. I'll give it a try and I'm assuming my UCarms have this hole. Will let u know.
Bill

[gofastoldguy]

Bill...they are the same Bill.

[gofastoldguy]

Never mind, I see the hole. Thx
Thx Jeff. Didn't know they were there. No one ever mentioned this to me before when changing sleeves for more caster. I'll give it a try and I'm assuming my UCarms have this hole. Will let u know.
Bill