silver71mc Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 Hi, I'm restoring a 71 Monte Carlo. I have done a complete rebuild of the front suspension, and will have the front end alignment done soon. I replaced the stock spindles with two inch drop spindles. Will this change the front end alignment specs? If so where would I find the new specs? Thanks, Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigdaddyT Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 A good alignment shop will get you rolling straight, I just had mine done and it drives great! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cny first gen 71 Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 No it will not change them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stangeba Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 See attached article from 1990, about changing the specs like they did to cars after the mid 1970's since they all had power steering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam (Bones) Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 with radial tires your want to add as much positive caster as possible Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silver71mc Posted February 20, 2016 Author Share Posted February 20, 2016 Hey Guys, Thanks for the info. Guess I'll start looking for a alignment shop that works on older cars. Thanks, Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex & Keith 72 Monte Posted July 17, 2023 Share Posted July 17, 2023 Hi Gents - completed my restoration and now need an alignment. I didn’t see the alignment specs in the article (3 pages of ?) of this chain. Do you all go with 3 or 5 degrees of positive camber? New front modern suspension (not dropped spindles) and 235 x70s and quick ration power steering. Sounds like A bodies migrated to the MC 73-77 spec but wasn’t sure what everyone recommends. Thanks, Keith. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex & Keith 72 Monte Posted July 17, 2023 Share Posted July 17, 2023 I meant “caster” 3 or 5 or other Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stangeba Posted July 17, 2023 Share Posted July 17, 2023 I took the 3 pages to my local ft end shop and asked him to set my 71 stock Monte up for better handling. I also replaced my 7/8" ft anti-sway bar with a 1-1/8" I got at a swap meet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackhawk Posted July 18, 2023 Share Posted July 18, 2023 On 7/17/2023 at 7:27 AM, Alex & Keith 72 Monte said: Hi Gents - completed my restoration and now need an alignment. I didn’t see the alignment specs in the article (3 pages of ?) of this chain. Do you all go with 3 or 5 degrees of positive camber? New front modern suspension (not dropped spindles) and 235 x70s and quick ration power steering. Sounds like A bodies migrated to the MC 73-77 spec but wasn’t sure what everyone recommends. Thanks, Keith. You'll want as much positive caster as you can get, with stock control arms you'll probably max out at 2-3 degrees. You should be able to get 4-6 degrees with certain aftermarket control arms. I'll be taking these specs to my shop in a few weeks to get an alignment. Ridetech has great information on tuning your suspension, including adjusting alignment if the car shows certain behaviors. https://ridetech.com/tech/suspension-tuning-guide-high-performance-vehicles/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stangeba Posted July 18, 2023 Share Posted July 18, 2023 Found two more sheets I posted long ago here: https://www.firstgenmc.com/forums/index.php?/topic/27024-set-up-front-suspension-from-scratch/&do=findComment&comment=250052 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVC Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 Yesterday, I replaced the passenger side upper control arm bushings and the center link. All other parts are tight and in great shape. I didn't have time to play with the castor and camber shims, so I did a quick toe adjustment and called it a day. She drives much better and no longer favors the right side of the road. I have the alignment machine available next week and will go after that positive castor of 2 to 3 degrees.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stangeba Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 Cool, I have never seen this alignment machine, thanks! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVC Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 1 hour ago, stangeba said: Cool, I have never seen this alignment machine, thanks! I feel lucky having this hobby shop 17 miles from my home… It's over 10,000 sf, with modern equipment, and about 12 racks / with tools to do anything needed on my car. The place is fully staffed with mechanics who will do the work for an additional fee or give free guidance and information. It's like having my own personal shop with 6 mechanics without the overhead. Pizza place is next door… Great place to hang out with some really great people who are willing to share information… 100 miles to Summit Racing ,,,, What could possibly be wrong with that ? 😀 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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