Alignment shop near Claremont NH?

[Spud]

Greetings all,

I am looking for a good alignment shop near Claremont NH. I would like to get the castor angle checked as, from what I have read, I may need to add some shims to correct it.

Steering is a bit scary. I have 4" HFS lift springs and 1.5" lift shackles both F&R.

Any suggestinons for a shop would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Sporin]

Batchelder Brothers in Newport maybe?

Batchelder Bros Logo. 20 Sunapee St Newport, NH 03773 Fax: (866) 308-1438 Phone: (603) 863-4600.

 

[Spud]

Batchelder Brothers in Newport maybe?

Batchelder Bros Logo. 20 Sunapee St Newport, NH 03773 Fax: (866) 308-1438 Phone: (603) 863-4600.

Dave have you had experience with them?

 

[Sporin]

nope, but I've heard them recommended by a few different people.

There are a multitude of shops in Lebanon or White River as well but I think Newport is closer for you.

 

[Spud]

OK, cool, just wanted to see that they were "recomended".

I'll check em' out, unless some one has some other suggestions I can concider.

 

[green40]

4 degree shims are your friend when you go with that length shackle.

 

[Spud]

4 degree shims are your friend when you go with that length shackle.

You think so?

I did a bit of further research today, (this is new stuff for me). From what I see, it is probably 4deg.

I think I know how to measure the castor now and was planning to do it this weekend. I was thinking to pick up 4deg. shims so I have em' and can try and install them if that is the size confirmed. Napa will let me return if not needed. I guess that is my plan for now.

Also while researching, I learned how to do an alignment, well, how to adjust the toe in. So I may not need to take it to a shop after all. We will see.

 

[Spud]

Do I need shims front and rear? Or just front?

Come to think of it, can I measure the rear for castor?

 

[Sporin]

I did my own alignment this weekend, its' pretty simple as long as your TRE's turn relatively easily....mine were all new and slathered in anti-seize so it was cake.

 

[green40]

I run the shims on my front only, had them on the back for awhile but removed them (didn't feel right). You will need longer center pins in your spring pack, they now have to go thru the shim and still seat in the perch on your axle. The stock ones aren't long enough.

Lane

 

[Spud]

I run the shims on my front only, had them on the back for awhile but removed them (didn't feel right). You will need longer center pins in your spring pack, they now have to go thru the shim and still seat in the perch on your axle. The stock ones aren't long enough.

Lane

Yeah, I have been thinking about how to get that done. Gonna research some more, I saw some had written you need to weld on some material to extend the pins. Hmmm, I dont weld yet. Maybe there is another way, any suggestions?

I am going to try and read up some more.

I am pretty good at drilling/tapping. What if I tapped in an allen head bolt of the same diameter of the pin, right in to the top of the pin, so as to extend it. Without seeing the shims and pins yet, I am guessing it needs about 3/8" extension. I think I could get that done with a bolt threaded in. Whatcha think Lane?

 

[green40]

I've heard of guys using bolts,
The pins are pretty cheap, Spector has them and I'm sure there are others.
Napa might even have them.

 

[Spud]

OK, after further reseach, I see my idea was off.

I have seen now how it all goes together. Probably best, (as you say Lane), to just get some new pins.