Finally something happening on the wagon. Some work on the boat has been
done, and some boating, of course.
Anyway, time to work on the altitude in the front of the wagon. After some
measuring and planning, the desired amount of lowering is about three inches. I
measured the coils and decided a bit more than one coil will have to go. When I
got the spring out, though, it was tighter coiled in the ends, than in the middle, so
the amount of coil cutting is still in the open.
The coils are tighter towards the ends. Oh well, it's just a matter of deciding.
The rubber around the lower ball joints were shot, and as the local speed
shop can't get new rubber, I had to order new ball joints too. $150 a pair, if
you care to know.
I was investigating the shims situation in small parts drawer, when it dawned
on me, that the reason for there not being any shims, migt be that you don't
use shims on this kind of car. After some studying I learned how to do it.
On the forward strut on the lower control arm, you adjust caster on this nut:
The nut, of course has some washers and grommets, and another nut on the
other side of what is a mounting point in the frame.
Then the inner bolt that attaches the lower control arm to the frame is
excentrical, and that's what you adjust caster with.
You learn new things every time you work on a car. It's a great part of our
hobby.
Now out to the shop to change all the bushings!
Oh, and I know it's not recommended to lower a car by cutting coils, but it's
worked for me. An old front spring that's a bit soft gets a bit stiffer when
shortened, and I like the firmer ride. A good alignment job usually make the
cars drive decently after.