|
Shimming the "dogbone" on the upper control arm is about the simplest method of setting caster and camber yet invented, and was used for decades prior to the fixed McPherson struts of later cars. For camber one inserts or removes a shim at both locations, and to set caster one removes a shim and places in the other location. Big deal. Any shop that can't figure that out should be run out of business. Shims can be made from anything - large washers with a slot cut in them, whatever. I have seen shims in the crossmember before, and for sure that can be used too, but normally if the car hasn't been hit the upper control arm will suffice.
A friend/client of mine has a 69 Ferrari Daytona. I took it to my local alignment and frame shop as I know the owner very well. Guess what? Shims on the upper control arm in both the front and rear suspension. Typical tie rod turnbuckles. Total time 70 minutes, both ends perfect. Sixty bucks cash. And your guy can't do a Volvo?
Special tools? Imperial sockets and wrenches. I suppose his ball pein hammer collection doesn't go that far, and he's out of acetylene.....
Some old guy who has been in the business since before the Ford Taurus will align the car easily.
|
