Allignment
 

Quick question on allignments.

Is it true that if front springs have some sag in them that the car can not be alligned??

I thought the suspension geometry stayed constant through wheel travel, thought that's what the control arms and all the other suspension components were for??

I would think that regardless of sag allignment (front wheel) would not be affected?? I would think fully compressed or unloaded straight would be straight??

Thanks

Geometry DOESN'T stay the same, camber & toe-in will change as the car gets lower. However alignment can be re-adjusted regardless of the ride height.

The suspention is designed to change camber and toe to facilitate the activity that causes the spring compression (such as cornering).

As the springs sag the ability to correct camber is compromised. Most 124 body cars now are runing more negative camber than the specs allow for due to a combination of spring sag and bushing deflection. The job of a good alignment tech is twofold. First he should pick out the areas that should be repaired, and secondly he should take whats left and make the best of it. The second part is where you separate real techs from functionaries.

Thanks Moderators
 

Thank you guys for the responses.

I have a better understanding now.

Appreciate the answers.

Joel

Sagging springs also affect ride height, which directly affects the caster.

Gilly