Moving Wheel forward 1/2” in fender well

[mtm87tx]

Generic question I have not been able to figure out.

my 69 Camaro with speedtech control arms has the wheel set pretty far rearward in the opening. The frame is straight, the alignment is to their specs.

my tires (which are larger than recommended) are hitting the rear fenders and I have a lot of clearance in the front. Also my sway bar in the factory location is rubbing on the very outside edge of my wheels.

thoughts? The sheet metal all lines up fine as well.

[dhutton]

A little less caster should help the rear rub. Sway bar is not a big deal imho since it is only at full lock so not when moving at speed. A splined sway bar would likely give you more clearance.

Don

[mtm87tx]

Don,

Appreciate the response. I have tried the speedtech, now the CPP high clearance sway bars. I didn’t know anyone still making a splined sway bar?

I am 18x9.5 +15mm with about a 1/4” spacer so I know with the 275/35r18 I have about as much as I can get on a stock sub.

- - - Updated - - -

Don,

Appreciate the response. I have tried the speedtech, now the CPP high clearance sway bars. I didn’t know anyone still making a splined sway bar?

I am 18x9.5 +15mm with about a 1/4” spacer so I know with the 275/35r18 I have about as much as I can get on a stock sub.

[dhutton]

How much caster are you running?

[TheBandit]

From their product descriptions, Speedtech arms build caster into both the uppers and the lowers, so they should keep the wheel centered when using their alignment specs if you are using both upper and lowers. If you're only using their upper arms, then you should consider getting their lowers or running less caster. For what it's worth, I had this issue when running higher caster using stock lower arms and Global West upper arms - the wheel just shifted too far back due to caster and my tires (245/40R18) rubbed the back of the inner fender wheeltub. I resolved this by getting some lower arms with caster built in so I could move the wheel forward again.

Other possibilities - the subframe may be shifted rearward on the body mounts or you may just have an unlucky combination of things going on.

[mtm87tx]

Bandit,

My thoughts on the subframe being shifted as well. I am running their lowers in conjunction with their chicane mod. My difference is I’m running the CPP c5 spindle. I am waiting to confirm my alignment spec as I lost the sheet to confirm caster angle. Body mounts are new and car was completely torn down with subframe removed to be powder coated.

I am assuming the install was correct but is there any tolerance in the subframe to body mount? If I lose it and pull it forward I run the risk of fender alignment correct?

[mtm87tx]

I just received the alignment sheet. 6° positive on the front left and 7° on the right. Camber is -.5° and -.8° with .5° toe in.

[TheBandit]

I am assuming the install was correct but is there any tolerance in the subframe to body mount? If I lose it and pull it forward I run the risk of fender alignment correct?

If you search around the net, you can find the cross measurements for aligning the subframe, but there are also a set of alignment holes next to the firewall body mounts that you can quickly check for alignment. The holes should line up and you can use a bolt to check. I think it's about 1/2" diameter.

The subframe can be shifted some, but keep in mind it will move the engine and transmission along with it. As long as you loosen all six mounting locations (2x core support, 2x under firewall, 2x under the rear), the subframe can be moved without affecting the body panels. You should also loosen the steering column and realign it after any movement of the subframe. I have never tried moving the subframe on a fully assembled car so I'm not sure how hard it is to move around and support the body and engine weight; I'm sure others can advise on how best to do this IF your subframe is shifted.

Do you have both upper AND lower Speedtech arms?

[mtm87tx]

Yes I have both upper and lower control arms. I’m going to put it on the lift the weekend and see what I can find out.

[chevelletiger]

Here's what I did on a splined swaybar for my chevelle all the parts are from 1speedway engineering, NOT SPEEDWAY MOTORS!!
you will have to have a oxygen torch to bend the arms and a bench that's bolted down.
The wheel is an 18x10 6.125 bs. 295 35 18 tire.
I'm going to have my 18x9 widened and will do 315 30 18 square.