camber kit for stock suspension?

[#1700project2000]

went to get an alingment after swapping out a lowered suspension with a stock setup on 18 wheels. the shop told me im going to need a camber kit. im not too savy on suspension setups so i was wondering if maybe the springs are shot or if replacing the struts with stiffer ones would make a difference? any help/suggestions would be appreciated

 

[rollinstylee]

From my experience and what I've heard, this is a common Contour problem, even with stock suspension. You didn't say how old the stock setup you installed was so it's hard to guess if the springs or struts are worn out. I have a slight inner-edge wear issue in the front, but as far as I know my suspension is stock at 124K so I don't hold it against the car. My springs are probably worn and riding lower than when new, which causes the slightly increased negative camber. I did just pick up a camber kit from the classifieds for when I decide to replace/upgrade the suspension, which will probably be when my current tires wear out.

 

[Big Jim]

I had to install camber kits on my completely stock SVT due to excessive negative camber and inside edge tire wear.

This would be even more critical if you have lowered the car (lowering drives the camber more negative). It is also more critical with wider tires.

There is a good discussion on this on the BAT web site www.batinc.net

 

[#1700project2000]

well, my best estimate on this suspension is about 130k. im assuming the springs have sagged since i last took it to this shop right after i put this setup in because they said they couldnt get it on the lift, even though i hadnt changed anything. im going to buy the bat springs as i have been waiting to install the bat struts i picked up a couple of months ago. i suppose it would be a good idea to pick up the camber kit as well?

 

[Big Jim]

Yes. And since yes is too short of a response, yes again.

 

[Tony2005]

. It is also more critical with wider tires.
....

+1. My stocks are 195/65/14s. I did not have issues with inside edge wear until I put on upgraded 215/50/16s. I went to 205/55/16s but did not go too far before switching back to 195/65/14s for the winter. I suppose I will know by the end of next summer if 205/55/16s are okay without a camber kit for me.