[FC] suspensions changes on my greenbrier (long, but feedback appreciated)

[corvanatics@corvair.org]

Keith, it would probably help to make sure on the use of alignment terms, 
because your note seems to mix up toe and camber.

Camber: the tilt from vertical when you look at the vehicle from the front or 
back.  Positive camber is when the bottom of the tires is closer together 
than the top, and is the typical condition of Corvairs and Volkswagens.  (Desired 
spec is 3/4 degree positive for rear of FC.)

Caster: the tilt from vertical of the steering knuckle.  You can't see this, 
but alignment instruments measure it.  This makes a difference on handling and 
stability, but is typically a front suspension adjustment, and not something 
we worry about in Corvair rear suspensions.  However, in this case, I don't 
know if caster has also been affected by your mod.  A front bicycle wheel has a 
lot of positive caster.

Toe: measured in inches of toe-in or toe-out, it is the difference between 
the measurement between the front of the wheels and the rear of the wheels, on 
either the front suspension or the rear.  Easily visualized when you look down 
at your feet -- are your toes closer together than your heels?  That's toe-in. 
 Heels closer together than toes?  That's toe-out.  Front wheels are 
typically set up for a small amount (1/8 to 1/4 inch) of toe-in.  An FC at proper 
riding height should have 1/4 to 1/2 inch of toe-in.  Rear toe is adjusted with 
shims.  See pages 3-5 and 3-30 of the 1961 service manual.  I don't have access 
to my 1964 manual at the moment, but I doubt the specs are much different for 
a 64, if at all.

So, is the problem you're describing camber, or toe?

Larry Hickerson
Albuquerque