I put the new wheels on the car finally, and was checking the spacing of the rear wheels to the fenders to see how much space there is to move the wheels out, and discovered that the left rear wheel is closer to the fender than the right rear by as much as 1/2". Actually I think it is more. The right rear is almost 2" and the left rear is 1.25". So any ideas on how I can figure out what is going on here?

The body looks straight, and has never been in an accident. The rear is a stock 8 1/4" out of a 73 Duster with BBP wheels. All parts were assembled with stock parts. The fenders look straight. In fact when I did the body work, I made certain they were straight.

Do you think the rear is off center? How can I figure if the rear follows the front wheels exactly? I did a for wheel alignment years ago, and I had to place a 1/4" steel shim in one side of the other to get it to track true, and the last alignment did not mention any thrust angle problems with the car. I am pretty sure the shim is on the left side, or the side that is closer. This would have moved the rear wheel back just a bit to straighten out the thrust angle.

Is it OK to put a spacer on just one side to bring it out with the other, or should I try to some how or other get the rear moved over? This seems like a huge job. Maybe this should start with an alignment shop. I want to put more caster in the front end anyway. Ideas or thoughts?

Sam

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I may be talking through my hat, but I recall reading somewhere that A Body’s drive train off-sets a bit to right side of car from center line.

My car’s 8 ¾â€￾rear end is a bit closer to right quarter wheel opening compared to left side; an inch or less using fingers as measuring device, and or tire cleaning brush…

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67' Dart GT Convertible; the old Chrysler Corp.
82' LeBaron Convertible; the new Chrysler Corp
07' 300 C AWD; Now by Fiat, the old new Chrysler LLC

Build tolerances build up, maybe? If it drives straight, and tires are wearing well, I would not give it a second thought. Ryan's Drat is closer on one side too!

Rick

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2 Mopars come with Spark plug tubes. One is a world class, racing machine. The other is a 426 CI. boat anchor!

12.70 @ 104.6

Rick, what year is Ryan's DRAT?

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I could see that as being said by someone not wanting to get paired with Ryan on the ladder.... "Oh DRAT! Foiled Again!"

My brother says that following the car down the road, it does crab slightly with the rear just a little bit off to the right. That is a different issue of course, but I thought to ask him this morning. Car has no vibration issues going down the highway. I suppose it would be ok to even things out with wheel spacers.

The car does have a sudden and dramatic oversteer problem, although it is much better with the 6" wheels in front, and 7's in the rear.
Sam

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It was a one year only special model. I can't remember what the year was!! You guys are sharp!

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2 Mopars come with Spark plug tubes. One is a world class, racing machine. The other is a 426 CI. boat anchor!

12.70 @ 104.6

Rick,

I thought you had re-named it: Drag Racing And Towing = DRAT

Brian

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Flyin' Brian

74 Duster, 225, rear-mounted blow through turbo at 12psi boost, street/strip car
"Sixy Beast"

I think these are just body/frame manufacturing tolerances. 1/2" would be a lot. My '64 and '68 Darts are maybe 1/4" different in the back, side-side.

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

My '72 Swinger is also closer to one side than the other. I was always told factory tolerances...

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Rob

I’m Mater
The Kentucky Poser

I took a closer look, and the spacer I put behind the forward leaf spring hanger was not replaced when I put the new hangers in a few years ago. I do not know why I left it out. I ordered spacers from Mancini this morning, and will get the car square again soon.

Sam

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I installed the spacer plates behind the left leaf spring hanger. This moved it back 1/4" on that side. It went much faster than anticipated, mostly because the bolts wre NOT rusty. I seldom drive in the rain anymore. Now my wife will follow me down the highway and see if it LOOKS straight. Eventually the alignment shop will get it.

Sam

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Took the car for a three mile drive with my wife following in her Scion. She says it looks straight and true now. That was just dumb luck. 1/4" of spacer plate put the rear into line. Maybe it is my imagination, but it seems to handle a little better. Now to get the old studs out of the axles so I can put spacers to set the wheels out a bit. I will look for hub centric ones. Anybody know a source? The Summit catalog is a little vague as to fitment.

Sam

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