1963 strut rods

[jim cear]

I am about to replace my current strut rods with the correct "small diameter" rods. If I reposition the cam assembly with the same orientation should I still have the correct alignment(as I now have)? Thanks

[Jack H.]

Re: 1963 strut rods

Should... They're the same length with the only difference being a more robust OD of the rod and its ends.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 strut rods

Jim-----

It depends. If the existing strut rods had any wear and, consequent, displacement of the strut rod center bushings AND the car had a rear wheel alignment performed with these bushings, then the camber setting will change when you install the new strut rods. In other words, if the most recent rear wheel alignment effectively compensated for worn bushings (which is part of the purpose for a wheel alignment), then when you install the new strut rods, that "compensation" will not be required. Have a look at the old strut rods and note if the center tubes appear centered in the bushing looking at BOTH sides of each bushing. If they appear to be centered, then you shouldn't have much of a problem with the camber setting when the new rods are installed.

Notwithstanding the above, I would suggest having a rear wheel alignment performed after the strut rod replacement. At a minimum, I'd have the camber checked and set. This is the "economy" part of the rear wheel alignment; it takes very little shop time to do it. The rear toe setting is the expensive part of a complete rear wheel alignment, especially on a 1963-69 Corvette that anyone is foolish enough to upon install original, "2 hole" toe shims. The rear toe setting will not be affected by strut rod replacement. That's not to say that yours is to spec in this regard, but whatever it is, it won't be affected by the strut rod replacement.

[Duke W.]

Re: 1963 strut rods

Check your current camber with an inclinometer. After you replace the strut rods, recheck, and if it has not changed, you are probably okay.

You can also check total toe-in with a tape measure. That won't tell you if toe is equally divided between the two sides, as it should be, but as long as the car does not exhibit any handling anomalies or unusual tire wear, again, it's probably okay.

If you have any doubts, get the car aligned on a four-wheel alignment machine.

Duke