Setting rear toe-in

[Patrick B.]

The chassis manual calls for removing the trailing arm pivot bolt and "positioning" the trailing arm for correct toe-in while the tires are bearing the full weight of the car. This seems a little impractical or at least way oversimplified. I doubt many cars ever had a toe-in adjustment.

It seems to me that for a frame-off restoration, it would be much more practical to set toe-in on a bare chassis with the spring disconnected and the suspension raised to the normal ride height position (half-shafts approximately horizontal ?). This might be a better way to do it even on a complete car since removing and replacing the pivot bolt under full suspension load seems like wishful thinking.

Has anyone tried this method? Are there any good ideas about creating frame reference points for toe-in measurements?

[Jim T.]

Re: Setting rear toe-in

My 68 and 70 have toe shims that are not slotted, so the bolt has to be removed enough to move the shims during a rear wheel alignment.
One good thing about having holes in the shims where the bolt goes through the shim will not fall out if the bolt is not tightened enough or becomes loose enough.

[Gene M.]

Re: Setting rear toe-in

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It seems to me that for a frame-off restoration, it would be much more practical to set toe-in on a bare chassis with the spring disconnected and the suspension raised to the normal ride height position (half-shafts approximately horizontal ?). This might be a better way to do it even on a complete car since removing and replacing the pivot bolt under full suspension load seems like wishful thinking.

Has anyone tried this method? Are there any good ideas about creating frame reference points for toe-in measurements?

Yes, It works quite well. I just did a tech seminar for our chapter (WNY) that demonstrates how to do this. Involves a lot of set up and measuring to accomplish. Just too much typing (for this one finger guy) to publish.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Setting rear toe-in

Pat,

I have had good experence using two pieces of floor tile under the tires for a bearing and the slotted shims, if you want the shims with holes, install them after.

If the body is on the frame, stringline the outside, I think it's the best way outside of a alignment machine. I don't know how you could get a accurate measurement from the frame center with the body installed.

[Tom L.]

Re: Setting rear toe-in

I did alignments on stock cars for years and intend on setting the toe on the rear of my car (Never did the back though) once the trailing arms go back on. I haven't done any checking yet because I m not there yet.

Since it came up, where are the center's on the chassis located?

Can a plumb bob be hung from them to map the important points out on the floor and then proceed from there?

Is the procedure outlined in the chassis service manual?

Thanks!!

[Patrick B.]

Re: Setting rear toe-in

Gene: My email address is patrick@drcriswell.com If you would email me your phone number, I would like to talk to you about rear toe-in ideas.