adjustable camber/caster kit

[Nicelycontoured]

I know this how-to was written but the old forums is down and was wondering if anyone knows how to install these. I have a set of bg springs and koni struts and want to install the adj camber/caster kits correctly.
I have a vague idea on how to install them, mount the kit with the strut bolt torqued to factory spec then install the top plate and torque the top plate bolt down to about 45lbs, any advice or correcting my rough install concept would be greatly appreciated.

 

[gorman]

Hey there; it is pretty straight forward. As a starting point you can either set them at minimum camber or maximum camber (inline with each other across the engine bay). Any other position will adjust the caster and i didn't know if that was good or bad. I had a four wheel alignment and it handles great. Two things to look in to. 1. the top plates that come in the box are thin. You may want to get an upgraded set. I did and they are much better and powdercoated black. 2. Some members have had the camber kit break. The off center disc on top of the spring cup can snap off. It is only held on with two weak welds. I welded mine. I went all the way round the edge and then ground back to a perfect snug fit in the upper plate. I also welded under the disc where it over hangs the the spring cup. I drive my car hard and three months or so later everything seems fine. Ask around others considered welding too. Mine are on the car so it is tough to see. Definately worth looking into... otherwise you could be doing the job twice... ... G.

 

[Blackcoog]

Skip the camber plates you won't need them unless you have coil overs and drop your car to the point where your camber is out of spec. They can be a pain in the ass and you shouldn't need them.

 

[striker2]

Skip the camber plates you won't need them unless you have coil overs and drop your car to the point where your camber is out of spec. They can be a pain in the ass and you shouldn't need them.

yup, im running Koni/B&Gs with no camber kit and have no problems with tire wear. also, the camber kits are known to snap the Konis when you use coilovers so i wouldnt use them even then.

 

[Nicelycontoured]

Thanks for the response guys. I bought them already and they have the upgraded plates that are thicker. Well hopefully it works out, ill be installing them tomorrow wish me luck. Again thanks

 

[gorman]

Thanks for the response guys. I bought them already and they have the upgraded plates that are thicker. Well hopefully it works out, ill be installing them tomorrow wish me luck. Again thanks

These guys are very experienced. Maybe you should take there advice and run without the kit for a while. If you have tire issues, then maybe you could install the camber plates. ...G.

 

[SVTGT350]

yup, im running Koni/B&Gs with no camber kit and have no problems with tire wear. also, the camber kits are known to snap the Konis when you use coilovers so i wouldnt use them even then.

I ran Konis/GC's for 20+k using the camber/caster plates and never had a strut or a plate problem. The thing that everybody needs to remember is the plate that you see under the hood only keeps the strut from falling out when the suspension is completely unloaded, other than that it serves no purpose.

I never had any problems with my setup and I drove the piss out of my car. I would also periodically check the plates and remove the top plate with the car on the ground to check the mount plate. Just my .02 as I have installed quite a few of the kits on various Contiques/Cougars and not had a problem with any of them.

 

[gorman]

The thing that everybody needs to remember is the plate that you see under the hood only keeps the strut from falling out when the suspension is completely unloaded, other than that it serves no purpose.

something i did notice was; with the stock top plates, there is alot of movement of the strut nut and stud sticking through the top plate. This is obvious if you jack the car up and turn the steering from lock to lock. The stud draws a kind of arc. There is far less with the camber kit. Could it be over tightening and the restricting of movement, that contributed to some suspension legs snapping ? ...G

 

[SVTGT350]

something i did notice was; with the stock top plates, there is alot of movement of the strut nut and stud sticking through the top plate. This is obvious if you jack the car up and turn the steering from lock to lock. The stud draws a kind of arc. There is far less with the camber kit. Could it be over tightening and the restricting of movement, that contributed to some suspension legs snapping ? ...G

That was the same thing I noticed and that was the reason I never upgraded my top plates, and is probably one of the reason I have never had a problem with my camber kit. I actually installed an additional washer under the top plate so there would be a little more of a gap.

 

[gorman]

I actually installed an additional washer under the top plate so there would be a little more of a gap.

hey neat idea.... i might try a flat washer, then a spring washer, then another flat one and then a second spring washer. That should keep it under tension and give some room for manoevre. ILYK.. G.