Ballpark suspension adjustment with body off

[Phil D.]

I seem to recall sometime in the last year or two reading an article or maybe it was just a post documenting how somebody went about making an initial suspension setup with the body off. However I've looked through all my magazines and tried searching here and Google without success. Closest thing on this forum that came up was

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?1151

The reason one might want to do that is to get it close enough to actually drive it to the alignment shop rather than renting a trailer. Everything is so easy to get to right now that it sounded like a cool idea if it were possible. (should've made Corvettes like funny cars so we could just hinge the body up outta the way).

Does anyone remember seeing such an article or post or did I just dream it?

[Ralph P.]

Re: Ballpark suspension adjustment with body off

Phil, you can Google "String Alignment" to see several methods of getting this done. You don't need to buy any fancy equipment . It will certainly get you close enough to drive to a shop.....

[Edward J.]

Re: Ballpark suspension adjustment with body off

Phil, you can use a tape measure for toe adjustments with the body off , just use the center tread on the tire, also as far as the camber if tou can a semi flat surface use a square against the tire. another opition is to use your I-phone, on the compass there is a level, just put a piece off 2x4 and hold against the bottom and top of the tire, then just put the phone against the 2x4 and adjust to 0 degrees I have done this on a few cars.

[Michael W.]

Re: Ballpark suspension adjustment with body off

The reason one might want to do that is to get it close enough to actually drive it to the alignment shop rather than renting a trailer. Everything is so easy to get to right now that it sounded like a cool idea if it were possible. (should've made Corvettes like funny cars so we could just hinge the body up outta the way).

Access to the relevant adjustment points is only marginally more difficult with the body on vs. off. Not worth the effort.

[Page C.]

Re: Ballpark suspension adjustment with body off

Would also suggest using slotted shims in the rear trailing arms. This makes it much easier to change the rear toe end at the alignment shop. If your car originally had non slotted shims and you are interested in having it judged, you can change to the correct style shims later. To remove and change the non-slotted type, you have to disconnect the rear spring from the trailing arm and remove the trailing arm to frame front pivot bolt every time they make a shim change. This is very time consuming.

[David H.]

Re: Ballpark suspension adjustment with body off

The Van Steel Suspension video shows disassembly and assembly of C2/C3 suspensions. Video includes includes method of rough alignment of trailing arms with the body off.

https://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=shop.ProductList&SubGroup=32046