[ZFine69]

I'm finishing up my 69 Camaro build and have run into a bit of a problem.

I can only turn the steering wheel about 3/4 of a turn either direction and the tire hits the front of the fender.

I've seen several posts that say NOT to use 2" drop spindles on first gen Camaros.

Not sure where to turn... Any info and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

My car is currently equipped with the following

TRSD aka The Right Stuff Detailing front disk brakes with their 2'" drop spindles

Viking Coil Overs

OEM Control Arms - I plan to install a set of tubular upper and lower control arms. However, I'm told this will not resolve the turning problem.

Vision Torque 8.5" Wheel 4.5" BS -6mm OS

MT Street Comp Tires 245/40/18

I have moved around the alignment shims and gained a little more turnability but not enough.

Please let me know if you need more info or photos showing specific parts. Look forward to hearing from you soon.

 

[Vega$69]

Drop spindles are a bad idea. I’d get rid of them and go back to stock spindles. Wheel and tire combo is also too wide.

The dropped often end up with the tie rod hitting the wheel and also create bump steer.

You may be able to raise the front with the coils overs to help a little and a 4.75 BS may help a little too.

 

[dhutton]

Not enough backspacing on those wheels. Looks like you have no negative camber. Try adding negative camber by adding shims. Target -1 degree camber. Check your caster too. Try to get a couple of degrees at least. Do not use the factory alignment specs, it will aggravate your situation. Not convinced the drop spindles are the root cause. I think it is wheels and alignment.

Don

 

[Brettallen59]

I put 2" drop spindles on mine with Tubular C/A's and QA1 coil overs and it was bad.....Coil overs and aftermarket control arms will actually drop it all you want without going with the 2" drop spindles.

Brett.....

 

[ZFine69]

Thanks for the info Brett. Based on online research and other responses I might need to make changes to several components...

 

[ZFine69]

Thanks for the info John. I am going to raise the ride height a little and see if that helps. Crazy to think that half an inch of BS can make a difference but sometimes that's all it takes...

 

[ZFine69]

I appreciate the suggestions Don. I plan on tweaking the alignment some more and raising the ride height. Unfortunately there is all kinds of conflicting info online about first gen wheel/tire size. Guess I should have been a bit more conservative with mine...

 

[SoCal805]

OP

From this side of the keyboard, sounds like you have to much tire/wheel to now fit within the 2" drop on lock to lock turn.

Given you have coil overs you can adjust for more height to see if that alone gives you enough.....although I think you are thin on backspacing.

You could try a spacer for the rim ….

I chose a different path on my 67. I went with lowering springs (RideTech) and got a 1 5/8" drop using stock A arms. My rims/tires are smaller than yours also

FWIW my friends 69 has drop spindles, 17's and larger tires and while the car's stance looks cool, turning and hitting a slight bump (driveway) he cut his exploding wallet tire and FU his wheel well lip. So you have to accommodate enough room for suspension travel and lock to lock turn with what you have.

Ideally adjusting the coil overs and adding a spacer will get you there....

 

[ZFine69]

Hi SoCal805,

Thanks for sharing the info. I plan on raising the ride height a bit just to see what happens. I don't think a spacer will help because the wheel needs to sit further inside the fender. Lot's of moving parts involved on this one...

 

[SoCal805]

Hi SoCal805,

I don't think a spacer will help because the wheel needs to sit further inside the fender. ...

...ah, thought it was hitting inside of tire

yeah it's a balancing act. Ideally you can adjust the components you have and get the clearance you need.

 

[The Camaro Guy]

It seems the more we mess with the original design the more issues crop up. Been there done that for clients that think they want all the after market stuff and drop a lot of cash for pleasure driving! I install the next lower factory (Eaton or Moog) spring, IE: SB on a BB car, poly bushings on stock A arms, HD shocks like Gabriel, IROC steering box, larger front sway bar, 17x8 "0" BS with stock height tires, 45's, 1 size larger on the rear. Never any issues and I get the lowered look. These cars were already low from the factory. Cost effective and a better than original upgrade.