Just a quick stupid question-I'm about to get some new tires put on my GSL-SE, and an alignment done (since the whole reason I need the tires is because the front alignment is screwy.) On this car, you can only do a front alignment since it's a live axle, and assuming the rear end is in proper working order, there is nothing to adjust. Is that correct? Thanks.

 

Well, a front alignment will help.. But contrary to what a lot of people may think a 4 wheel alignment is the best idea. They will measure your rear wheels thrust angle, and if the rear wheels arent completely lined up with the car they will compensate with the front tires. Id suggest the 4 wheel alignment if the budget allows.

 

It really helps though IF there is something to adjust back there...When I got the Sec gen done,The alignment guy showed me that the Camber link was NOT adjustable,And I had already replaced the Toe Bushings,.So if you are going to Put in the Aftermarket stuff,Now is the Time to do it.Before the Alignment,Not after,Because you would be doing the alignment Twice...SO..he said that he was just going to Line up the Front,and Didn't charge me For a 4 wheel Alignment.(my suggestion is a Reputable place will tell you If it is Possble to adjust anything at the back and If not ,just give you a TWO wheel Alignment)..hope that helps You.

 

FYI, Just because its called a 4 wheel alignment it doesnt always mean they adjust all 4 wheels. In the case of our cars they will measure the angle of the rear wheels (in most cases they wont line up perfectly with the body) and rather than correct the rear alignment, they simply adjust the front to compensate and the car will drive in a straight line.

In an extreme case (say someone slid the rear of their car into a curb) the rear alignment will be off but the front could be perfect, in this case the car would still pull to one side. Rather than taking the car to a frame shop to get everything pulled back into shape, you could compensate with the front. This is where the 4 wheel alignment is worthwile.

 

good info GEN1..Just wanted to Toss my day at the shop in there.It gave me a chance to See Better what the Underside actually looked like ,Instead of looking at it From the height of Axle Stands!..and Personally I thought that there would be stuff to adjust back there too,But after looking at it,There really isn't that much Crap back there!...if the thread starter can get a Chance,Take a look at the Mounts and whatnot while the Car Is Up.That way you get an Idea as to what the condition is.The Guys at the alignment shop were OK with lettin me Poke around under my car,so maybe you can get the chance to...anyhow..best to ya..Sorry to thread jack,and hope things work out with your car.

 

Okay, thanks for the info, I'll just have the shop check everything out.

I'm already pretty familiar with the condition of the rear end-I spent a lot of quality time back there a couple of months ago when I installed new struts & springs. All the metal is in good shape, but most of the bushings need to be replaced.

So close to being able to drive the FB again, I feel like a kid a few days before Christmas. It's been down for a couple of months, although other than the front tires being ready to pop at any minute it has been perfectly drivable.