Alignment after spacers and Q's?

Va914 · 03-29-2003, 07:42 AM

If I add some spacers to the front and rear of my '74 will I need a re-alignment? Another Q is DO adding spacers effect the alignment?

Has anyone found a place that sells new/used rear shims? I am assuming I need 2 of each size rear shim when I go to the alignment shop. 2mm, 3mm, 4mm??? What is a fair price to pay for a pair of shims?

I have added flares to my ride and need to adjust the height. It seems like most people have been using the fender to set the height. I don't trust my fender heights are the same so is there another place to measure? The PO has installed rack spacers.
If some one can measure from level ground to the underside of??? I think that might work???

ANY THOUGHTS?

Cheers
Kerry

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Spacers should not change the alignment. Unless there are suspension problems. Shims are usually stocked by alignment shops that specialize in Porsche and VWs.....I'm sure Pelican can find some for you.....

Va914 · 03-29-2003, 10:50 AM

Thanks Mike.
What type/year VW's use the same type of shims? Most of the Porsche shops around here dont' work on 914's???? They may "see one every two years or so". I think a VW shop may be my best bet.

I think you should update your Avatar the bouncing twins

Cheers
Kerry

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

What kind of spacers are you talking about? Where?

The shims are a bit tough to find; try asking the usual used-parts sources. You can also, if you have access to one, have a bunch made in different thicknesses.

I don't know of any VW that uses them. They're pretty simple, though; just a flat piece of metal of a particular shape.

--DD

Va914 · 03-29-2003, 01:40 PM

I would like to move my front tires out to fill-out my flares some. Maybe an inch (25mm) or so.

Is there anyway to measure the shims I have installed now, while they are installed? No sence buying 2 of the ones I already have

Cheers

John Rogers · 03-29-2003, 02:35 PM

Wheel spacers should not affect the alignment at all. I use 3/4 inch spacers on all four wheels after I put on the riveted flares and found cornering is a bit better since the contact patch is wider. I read somewhere that for each 0.5 inch of track increase it is the same as taking 100 ponds off the car when figuring cornering forces? If you move the wheels too far out there could be some interference problems with the inner fender lips where they curve under the body or attach the rockers on the sides. There may be some accelerated wheel bearing wear due to the increased load but so far I haven't seen any.