Just did a rear disc swap conversion on Sunday. I'm currently using my civic compensator arm. I did not use the integra compensator arm that came on my trailing arms. I only unbolted the outer portion of the compensator arm, and from what I can tell it's the inner bolt that's used for adjusting toe.

If I kept my civic compensator arm for my swap, and I'm using the integra trailing arms my toe should be the same right? I drove 70-75 on the way home and I thought the car rode exactly the same as before on the highway.

Should I go get an alignment just to be sure? I'm doing SoloAtlanta's SCCA novice school autocross this weekend so I'm a bit nervous about it.

Last time I got an alignment is was at this redneck shop that I won't be going to again. He said he couldn't get the toe in in the rear .05 so he claims he put it out .05. The toe should be current .03 in the front if IIRC.

 

I suggest getting an aligment every after you lift the car

 

So when I installed my new subframe brace last night, change brake pads, replace a wheel stud, change transmission fluid, install my rear bumper lip, I should get an alignment? Not sure what you're trying to say. I would need a lot of alignments for all the recent maintenance, repair, and upgrades I've been doing.

Normally you would just get an alignment when you change the ride height, or replace suspension bushings. I did none of these. So I'm only curious I guess if the outer compensator arm bolt can affect toe. I'm fairly confident the inner bolt is the one that adjusts toe.

 

whenever the wheels are suspended in the air, gravity will pull them down and chances are, it will mess up your alignment.

 

ummm no. Simply lifting your car off the ground WILL NOT affect alignment... that is, unless you have some weak@$$ POS worn the hell out bushings.

EK I would still get an alignment for sure. You unbolted and replaced stuff that directly affects alignment. Who knows if the old trailing arms and new trailing arms have EXACTLY the same angles or not. Stuff gets tweaked here and there as they get older. For the work you did I would most definitely get an alignment.

Now certain things I do not get alignments for. For example when replacing a CV axle where I only disconnect the lower ball joint and leave the upper and tie rod alone, I usually don't get an alignment after that. But when actually changing out suspension arms and parts like that I most definitely would.

 

Okie dokie. I just need to find a new shop to get an alignment at. I'm not going back to that redneck place

They scratched the crap out of my konigs I used to have, my volks look alright though. Definitely need to go to a better place with newer equipment.

Just to be sure, those toe specs sound alright? If I recall correctly that's what Racebum told me to get a while back for a good daily/autocross toe. Front .03 out in front and .05 in in the rear.

 

Not sure there... my main concern is maximum tire life so I had my front toe zero'd out.

 

I think we have a firestone/bridgestone store about 30mins from me. I'll give them a call and see if they have the lifetime alignment available.

 

Got it!

 

Did you have firestone do it?

I can't for the life of me fine a firestone that will toe out the front, and slighty toe in the rear. Your lucky.

One thing that caught my eye is your caster.

 

I was in kind of a bind and didn't really have time to drive 40mins to the nearest firestone. I've also been spending money I don't have lately and buying things for my car that I deem necessary for safety. It just so happens that function7 made that list since I've got a funky progress bar that won't mount to an ASR, and I can't afford subframe tearout.

Goodyear did it for $70 and the tech was very nice and helpful.

I don't know about the caster, I was in a hurry and didn't worry about it. I was focused on the toe and left to go back to work.

 

I understand, I am in the same spot right now. Yet I keep spending money on things I don't need.

Thats good. It just looked off, I just glanced at it, and was kind of wondering.