I need some clarification. I installed my KW V3's onto my car using the stock top hats. When I took my car to get an alignment the shop told me that my caster seems to be off, and can't be adjusted since I'm using the stock top hats.

From their display it looks like I have 3.9 on the left front and 4.2 on the right front. As I'm driving the car, it starts to pull to the left as the steering wheel is leveled. If I'm reading it right, the less caster on the left front is causing the pull to the left correct?

Anyways, the shop said that the only way to fix this is if I installed camber plates. Could the reason be that the top hats/coils were installed incorrectly? Or the top hat may be a little messed up? I'd like to evaluate my possibilities before I go spending a couple of hundred dollars finding a solution.

Thanks.

 

Iirc, there is an arrow stamped into top hat that should point inboard when installed.

Edit: Actually, it is the top spring perch which doesn't affect the suspension geometry.

 

A .3* difference in caster is not much and shouldn't cause a sideways push. A mis-match in rear toe is more likely. Can you post a scan of the entire print-out?

 

additionally, stock caster is not adjustable. The closes you can come to adjusting it is to loosen all the bolts and try to use what little mounting slack you have to wiggle it around some. But those numbers are about normal.

 

You spent all the dough on V3s...buy top hats...it won't fix your problem but will improve your suspension setup significantly with additional flexibility.

 

Thanks for the suggestion, but I really just want an answer for my questions.

 

So, post the entire alignment. I already told you that a .3* difference in caster is not likely to be the issue.

 

Here are the specs, sorry I don't have access to a scanner.

Left Front - Right Front
-1.0 camber -1.1
3.9 caster 4.2
-0.02 toe 0.00

Left Rear - Right Rear
-1.2 camber -1.4
0.11 toe 0.11

 

Yep. Too much rear toe. Get it cut in half (or even closer to zero) and the wandering will be greatly reduced. And I'd get the rear camber reduced to be slightly less than the front while you're at it.

 

Thanks for the help.

 

Try rotating the wheels to see if it will solve the problem before you go spending more money.