I recently bought Prothane bushing kit from my 82 280zx installed the front end part and I notice now with my stiffer setup I need to align it. I went to my usual shop to get it aligned and come to find out Jerry"All Z's in Tx sold it and I gave the new owner the benefit of the doubt to go ahead and align my car and they didnt do anything or they dont know what there doing.

I need links, info, threads, write-ups any direction would help so I can do my own alignment, even tools that would be helpful with measuring or adjusting the toe.

Thanks for all the help in advance.

 

Easiest way although not the most precise:

Select a height on your front tires that has a clear path to the other tire. You are going to need a measuring tape to beable to reach without hitting the body (or any other hanging down components).

(see how the measuring tape is nice and straight)



Using chalk or something similar mark the height. Use the same height on both tires, front and back.

Now have an assistant hold the end of the measuring tape to the outside of the tire (Front to Front, Back to Back) and record the value.

Example:

Front: 57 & 1/4"
Back: 56 & 15/16"

Now take the difference of the two numbers and divide it by 2. That is how toe-in or toe-out you are.

For just a home done alignment I feel 1/8-1/16 toe in is good. 1/8 is obviously more aggressive.

Now (remove tires) jack up the car and adjust those tie-rods! On my MR2 one turn = 1/8" in adjustment. Your car might/will vary. Adjust both sides evenly.

Drop the car back down (tires on) roll it back about 5ft and then forward (5ft again) this makes sure your tires are back in normal driving position (not susp. compressed or anything messing up measurements). Repeat procedures!

Good luck. Don't know how they messed up your car though... Zs are pretty simple

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZoL1gaWedA

It's a 3 part series, but he explains everything very well.

 

thanks again for all the input I am going to try this with my fiance as the helper this wknd. cant wait to drive it hard with corrected steering on my new prothane bushings and so far the tension rod hasnt snapped and I am running polyurethane on both sides.Thanks Again!