Front End setup help

roughidle said
- How do I go about trying to achieve a close adjustment with all angles; caster, camber, toe in and out without having any baseline measurements since I didn't have the car assembled in my possesion beforehand?

- Are all my questions answered in a tech manual that I don't have?

Thanks in advance!

I can't help you with the tightening spinning issue as I'm not familiar with the poly stuff, but you can download a 72 (latest known to exist for free) shop manual here. Go thank AbodyJoe for that one

DO NOT use the 72 manual for wiring. You really should get yourself a 73 manual

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?p=1970088617

Do NOT use the factory settings for alignment, unless you are using bias tires. Use the "skosh chart" from here:

http://www.allpar.com/history/mopar/front-end-alignment.html

Search this site there's about a 1/2 zillion posts (not kidding) on alignment.

What do you have for tools, IE caster camber gauge?

Google things like "DIY alignment" You can buy inexpensive caster / camber gauges. All you REALLY need is camber, the gauge actually computes caster from turning the wheels, and you can do that yourself. If this is what you are going to do, I can elaborate LOTS of info on the www

Look through the shop manual and obtain the chassis measurements to check chassis square. Get the rear axle squared

For the front you FIRST establish ride height. Make certain the car is sitting level, with "everything" in place, even a tank of fuel, all put together with drivetrain, hood, etc.

Second, rough in caster / camber

I always rough in toe as well just to get things close, by eyeball

Then set caster / camber. This is very fussy as one affects the other. You have to realize, example, that if you need more caster, you have to lean the spindle angle to the rear, so you have to push the front of the A arm out, and the rear adjustment in. If you do this right, you won't affect camber too much. It IS a PITA for us old guys!!!!!

Toe is set last. About 20 ways to do this. You can build a simple tripod / scratch nail device to scribe the tires / tape, or come close just by blocking some 2x4's along the tires. They must be blocked up to spindle center. Two guys make this easier. You have to diddle toe then drive car and check that steering is centered. I usually eff this up by 1/8 turn of the wheel or more. You also have to take into account crowned roads.

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=183214

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=181851&page=2

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?p=1969910897

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?p=1970028465

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=226484

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=231627