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Expert
Posts: 2264
  
Location: McComb, Mississippi | Hello all,
I tried asking this question on the Facebook Imperial site and the Imperial web page and really didn't get much help I am in the process of rebuilding the front suspension on my 1964 Imperial, I am running radials, and I would like some front end alignment specs to compensate for the radial tires. When I asked this question on both sites, I was getting replies that had to do with specific bushings and to stick with bias ply tires at all cost... This site has always been very helpful with technical information, so I figured I would try my luck here. By the way, I know that a 1964 falls out of the forward look category, but the underpinnings of my car are the same as those of 1957. Any information will be appreciated.
Edited by plymouth 2023-10-01 11:38 AM
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 9681
 
Location: So. Cal | Not quite. It is the same as those of 1959, would be a more accurate statement. There were changes made to the upper control arms in 1959.
The only real difference is that bias ply tires used slight negative camber, whereas radials use 0 or slight positive. This is due to how the tire reacts to road feel. Also, radial tires like more caster. Give it as much as you can with offset bushings. Or you can cut & weld a section into your UCA like Herb McCandless does to get more caster. |
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Expert
Posts: 2264
Location: McComb, Mississippi | Thank you for the reply.
Yes, you're right about the redesigned control arms. I've already assembled everything using stock type bushings. I'll shoot for 1.5 degrees positive caster. I know you said a little positive camber, but what is a good ballpark? Thank you again |
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Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13054
Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island | Hypothetically, the values from my Saratoga would work on an Imperial as well.
CAMBER, NEGATIVE ¼º till ½º
(OEM LEFT POSITIVE 3/8º ± 1/4º (+3/8º prefered) HÖGER 1/8º ± 1/4º (+1/8º Prefered))
CASTER, POSITIVE 2º till 3º (Probably camber will be out of specs at a caster over 1,5º)
(OEM +3/4º ± 1/2º)
TOE-IN 1/8”
Adjust the front end alignment; set all excenter cams fully downwards.
Start with Caster, turn the two excenter cams in opposit direction the same amount.
Rear excenter cam turned clockwise an forward anti clockwise gives more Caster (seenfrom the rear of the car).
After the adjustment of Caster both excenter cams must be turned in the same direction equal amount for to set the Camber.
Rear and front excenter cams turned anti clockwise for less negative Camber on the left side (seen from the back pof the car)
Try it
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Expert
Posts: 2264
Location: McComb, Mississippi | Thank you so much! |
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1957 and up Imperial owners. Front end alignment specs with radial tires.
