How do I get my brackets straight???

[flowerz489]

I am in the process of building a frame under my car, My main question is how do I get my suspension brackets straight, I need to move them in a couple inches, I know there was a post on how to get your rear end straight but I cant find it.

[megavega]

1.) The car needs to be set up level from side to side and preferably front to back, place a level(2-3ft) inside the door jamb on the sill. Use shims or whatever on jackstands to set up the car level. use the level as well to check the car front and back from side to side by placing it on the rear floor above rear axle, and in the front across the front frame rail tops.

2.) you may now use a common square and little torpedo level, a plumb bob and measuring tape and be able to check any bracket, part or whatever and make sure its installed square,and level, just measure from each point from the same referance point on each side of the car.

[flowerz489]

wheres the best spot to support my car while cutting out my tubs?

[megavega]

right in front of the rear wheels, youll see a plate with a slot in it, thats the strongest part. If thats in the way, just try to support it as best you can in the rocker area/floorpan pichweld.

[gt350fme]

Does the pinion angle need to be considered before all is burned in?

I hate having to re due stuff.

[Ishiftem]

I think an even better way to level the car is to use the factory frame checking dimensions. Get a laser level that shoots a level beam and use a tape measure to hang down from the factory reference points. Depending how high the car is, just add those inches to the factory dimension. It is more accurate than putting a level on the factory stampings which can have little bumps or bulges etc. that can give you flawed readings. Plus those pieces can be a little off as they were spot welded together. I tried leveling my car with the rockers etc. and a level but it was impossible to get perfect. I chased it for hours and one corner was always high or low. I have the dimensions if you want them. I think I even posted them at one time. Also you should get the pinion angle close. It would stink to find out your arms don't have enough adjustment after everything is welded in. Another good thing about the laser and factory dimension method is if at a later date you need to change or build off something, you can put the car back to exactly the same spot as the other work was done. A 1/16 here, a little more there, and before you know it you are off 3/8 somewhere else. Your measurements are only as good as what you are measuring from.

[flowerz489]

I have the vega service manual with thoose refrence points. My book is for a 74 vega is a 72 going to be the same? Does it make a difference if its a wagon? Using thoose points as a refernce is great idea, then check it with a level, I never thought of that, I cant thank you enough. My biggest problem was that my garage floor is not flat nor true, so it makes it a little harder to level. thank you , You probably just made my car straighter

[Ishiftem]

Yes, should be the same. The wagon is the same as everything else from the rockers down so no problem there.

[flowerz489]

just read up on my laser level, its a milwakee cordless self leveling, only good to 1/4 inch at 100 inches. Doesnt seem too good to me. The good ones are 500-1200 bucks

[Ishiftem]

I have one from longacre. It is a granite block with 3 adjustable legs. You level the block (I use a digital angle finder that reads in tenths) then there is a little "pod" that you place on top that shoots a level beam. You just point the pod at what ever you want. I don't see it anymore on their site. Looks like they have a little different design now. http://www.longacreracing.com/catalog/i ... 08&catid=2

[flowerz489]

I got a PLS from work its 1/8th inch on 30 feet.