RIDING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Note. Before performing wheel alignment, perform preliminary visual and mechanical inspection of wheels, tires and suspension components. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT TROUBLE SHOOTING under STEERING & SUSPENSION in BASIC TROUBLE SHOOTING article in GENERAL INFORMATION.
Note. The suspension ride height is not adjustable.
The vehicle suspension height should be measured before performing wheel alignment procedure. Also check suspension height when front suspension components have been replaced. This measurement must be performed with the vehicle supporting it's own weight and taken on both sides of the vehicle. Front and rear ride heights are not adjustable. The spring selections at manufacturer assembly determine ride height for acceptable appearance of the vehicle. Ride height dimensions assume full fluids (including fuel) and zero passengers. See appropriate RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS table for ride height dimensions.
Vehicle ride height measurements should be performed utilizing the following procedure: Drive the vehicle straight and forward on a dry surface for a minimum of 20 feet to neutralize track width. Bounce the front of the vehicle 5 times. Measure and record the ride height dimensions.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES
Camber and caster angle adjustments involve changing the position of the lower control arm cam bolts. (Scheme 2)
CASTER ADJUSTMENT
Moving the rear position of the cam bolt in or out will change the caster angle significantly and camber angle only slightly. To maintain the camber angle while adjusting caster, move the rear of the cam bolt in or out. Then move the front of the cam bolt slightly in the opposite direction. To increase positive caster angle, move the rear position of the cam bolt outward (from the engine). Move the front of cam bolt inward (toward the engine) slightly until the original camber angle is obtained. (Scheme 2) See ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS. After adjustment is made, tighten the cam bolt nuts to specification.
Scheme 2
TOE-IN ADJUSTMENT
Note. If vehicle is equipped with power steering, engine must be running during entire toe-in adjustment procedure.
Note. On vehicles with 4WD, suspension height measurement must be performed prior to wheel alignment.
- Start the engine and turn wheels both ways before straightening the wheels. Secure the steering wheel with the front wheels in the straight-ahead position. Loosen the tie rod jam nuts. Each front wheel should be adjusted for one half of the total toe position specification. This will ensure the steering wheel will be centered when the wheels are positioned straight-ahead.
- Adjust the wheel toe position by turning the tie rod as necessary. See «ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-166367-S05353710712004091700000) . Tighten the tie rod jam nut to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-166367-S29620527872004091700000) . Verify alignment specifications. Turn off engine.