1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Adjusting camber

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Old Feb 10, 2016 | 03:39 PM
  #1  
Joe428's Avatar
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Adjusting camber

I'm currently running big bearing FB spindles with RB springs and KYB shocks (settled for them during the whole Tokico distributor issue) on my 79 SA. I'm having a wear issue with my front tires having too much negative camber. I haven't measured it but it is enough to cause visually noticeable asymmetrical tire wear. I'm to the point where I need new tires and want to fix this before causing damage to the new tires. My tension rods are correctly adjusted.

I've been digging for simple solutions and coming up empty handed. The stock strut mounts are asymmetric to allow for camber adjustment obviously. However, I have KYB replacement mounts and they are symmetrical (confirmed through email communications with them). For the price of OEM strut mounts I would rather get camber plates. Only problem is they will not fit the OEM struts per my understanding. Long term I want to try the MR2 Koni swap (which also allows camber plates to be used) that has been mentioned recently but that's not in the budget right now.

Short version: are there any simple solutions to adjust/correct camber?
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Old Feb 11, 2016 | 07:14 AM
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You could instead get adjustable lower control arms from either RB or T3 but they would cost
more than the OEM upper mount.

You could slot your current upper mounts to get the camber right. Its ghetto but would work as
long as you were careful and its free!
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Old Feb 11, 2016 | 11:25 AM
  #3  
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Originally Posted by Joe428
I'm currently running big bearing FB spindles with RB springs and KYB shocks (settled for them during the whole Tokico distributor issue) on my 79 SA. I'm having a wear issue with my front tires having too much negative camber. I haven't measured it but it is enough to cause visually noticeable asymmetrical tire wear. I'm to the point where I need new tires and want to fix this before causing damage to the new tires. My tension rods are correctly adjusted.

I've been digging for simple solutions and coming up empty handed. The stock strut mounts are asymmetric to allow for camber adjustment obviously. However, I have KYB replacement mounts and they are symmetrical (confirmed through email communications with them). For the price of OEM strut mounts I would rather get camber plates. Only problem is they will not fit the OEM struts per my understanding. Long term I want to try the MR2 Koni swap (which also allows camber plates to be used) that has been mentioned recently but that's not in the budget right now.

Short version: are there any simple solutions to adjust/correct camber?
I can sell you stock upper mounts for $15
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Old Feb 11, 2016 | 12:03 PM
  #4  
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Originally Posted by cshaw07
I can sell you stock upper mounts for $15
PM sent.

Originally Posted by t_g_farrell
You could instead get adjustable lower control arms from either RB or T3 but they would cost
more than the OEM upper mount.

You could slot your current upper mounts to get the camber right. Its ghetto but would work as
long as you were careful and its free!
I've looked at the adjustable lower arms but, as you point out, they are on par with other options price wise. I really don't want to modify the holes and I fear the mounts would slip under load as I don't have a strut brace. Appreciate the input.
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Old Feb 15, 2016 | 08:19 PM
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Also check your toe; it's usually a bigger factor in rapid asymmetrical wear than camber. For example -- look at any BMW's rear wheels. They run noticeable negative camber without exorbitant tire wear. If they're wearing on the inside, it could be toe-out.
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Old Feb 17, 2016 | 07:17 AM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by elwood
Also check your toe; it's usually a bigger factor in rapid asymmetrical wear than camber. For example -- look at any BMW's rear wheels. They run noticeable negative camber without exorbitant tire wear. If they're wearing on the inside, it could be toe-out.
I had that adjusted when I refreshed my suspension. The shop I got it done at probably wasn't the best in the world so they may have goofed it up. So, you may be onto something with that. I haven't picked a shop to do it at yet but I'm getting an alignment done when I get new tires.
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