alignment question

[mestorod70]

Has anyone used longer front upper A arm bolts to be able to add more shims?
Im maxed out at the rear bolt and need more +caster.

[RBeckman]

I had to use an offset bar that I got from PST and that fixed the problem.

[Hank70SS]

As Ric said, they make an offset bar to solve that problem. The bolts are really a stud with a knurled shaft, pounded into the frame piece. A regular bolt won't work so good because you can't get at the head to hold it when you tighten it down.

Only problem with the offset shaft is you have to pop out the bushings, at least one anyway to replace the shaft.

[shadowgray396]

Need one like this one

http://www.ecklerschevelle.com/chevelle-control-arm-shaft-upper-offset-1964-1972.html

[mestorod70]

My problem is I have aftermarket upper arms and cant use the offset shaft.
I hate to have to buy new arms.
I think I can tack weld the bolt head in place on the bracket.
Im getting +1degree caster and would like at least +4

[shadowgray396]

So your aftermarket arms aren't the adjustable ones?

[Hank70SS]

Do the after market arms use a different shaft than the stock one?

[mestorod70]

The arms are made by CCP and have no built in + caster.
I did the longer bolt mod but only got to +1.5 deg
Im wondering if I can relocate the upper ball joint.

[mestorod70]

I finaly broke down and got some different upper arms.
I now have +5 deg caster...and -1/2 camber with 1/8 toe in.
The problem is my steering wheel wont return to center without help
when turning left.
In a right turn it does just fine.
All joints are fairly new and move freely.
Im wondering if its in the box?....I did loosen up the adjustment in the box
to give it some slop...but no diference.
Anyone have an idea whats going on here.
Thanks.....mick.

[Rattler]

What year chevelle? Is this a manual box or power? The jeep grand cherokee steering box swap is one of the best mods you can do for better feel and handling.

[mestorod70]

Its a 70 with power steering.
Im thinking of removeing the drag link from the pitman and seeing
if I can move the pitman and box output by hand with the pump running.
The Cherokee mod is on the list of things to do but not till I find out why
I have such poor return from a left turn.

[mestorod70]

Decided to go with the jeep box.
Got the rebuilt box and new rag joint.
Now im searching for a metric o ring to AN adaptor fiting.
Not much luck at the local parts houses....perhaps jegs.

[mestorod70]

I drove down to the speed shop at muscle car city in punta gorda.
They had the fitings I needed.

[mestorod70]

LO and behold....the jeep box swap fixed my steering return problem.
Unfortunately I think the jeep box needs more pump pressure than the chevelle box.
900 lbs vs 1400 for the jeep.
The rebuilt jeep box has a little slop in it too...but I can return under warranty if I have to.
Now im into moding the flow valve on the pump for more pressure.

[mestorod70]

Got the control valve out of the pump.
It didn't have washers...only sealer on the nut.
So I measured the length with calipers and made it a tad shorter with a washer.
This helped take some effort out of the box...but I think a bit more
pressure is needed...so its getting a thiner washer next.