Does anyone know of a shop that is experienced with drop axle front ends in central New Jersey. I live in Monmouth County and I would like to get the front end of my 31A coupe adjusted. I may have a camber issue as my driver side tire is wearing on the inside tread. It could be toe, but only the one tire is wearing.
Most shops are not gonna touch a straight axle. If you know them and can sweet talk them you might talk them into setting toe in, if you tell them what you want it set to. I have heard big truck shops can set caster also but haven't tried that.
Yes, that's right. Big truck shops will bend the axle for camber (on the car!) also bend wishbone for caster...doesn't take much at the wishbone, but I've seen some where the center of the 'bones were pulled down 5"! There's usually a guy on the payroll that knows the best points to apply the bends. My son took his nice '27 'Nose Job' in to have the axle straightened in San Jose, CA. Four different shops: Two of them told him "We've got to heat that axle to bend it". The third shop said they'd have to remove the axle. Fourth (and best) shop the owner checked it himself. New Chassis Engineering forged 4" 'I' beam was checked at 1/2 degree positive camber, then king pin inclination checked. The intelligent shop owner detected a bent spindle. Son Rich asked if the shop could bend the axle if necessary, the man said "Absolutely, I have a slim bracket that would clear the nose; that would be the only potential 'problem'." I used to work front ends, Reinegger's Frame & Wheel was a great place to work: It used to be a carriage repair/blacksmith shop in the '20s. Two shops, back-to-back. We could do anything, from classics to big rigs. Business was sold a few times, worse each time...now it's a shim-shuffle act for front wheel drive tin cans. (wonder what happened to the Turret Spindle I used to straighten wheels on! Bet the forge and anvils are gone, too...)
not close but the best front end guy i ever met: John Guelfi Wheel Alignment 65 Carleton Av, Islip Terrace LI 631-581-0484, 4th generation family business - the guy is outstanding
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