ADJUSTABLE CAMBER ON OUR CARS
By Karl Schluter -Low Zep
For
Zephyrs adjusting camber can be difficult as described in the wheel alignment
article. Since the introduction of these cars, many local companies sold camber
pins (as below).
Our cars aren't adjustable for camber so I'll out
line what can be done for this.
First make sure all ball joints and bushes are in good serviceable condition.
The inner pivot for the track arm which is a taper fit in the engine cross
member can be swapped for off set ones as shown in picture (A).
If you machine the centrepiece in the shape of a hex it is easier to turn with
a spanner. Before fully tightening this piece up, rotate it to move the strut
bottom in or out to suit camber before final tightening as seen at (C).
Picture (B) is as standard. Both
pictures viewed from overhead position.
On my own Mk III Zephyr I have had steel pivots made up which have been on the
car for 10 years now with hard use and extra weight of the V8.... So this is a
strong modification.
I give another option below; I feel would be a step up from this. This is not to say the camber pins are ineffective, far from it! They’ve proven themselves on thousands of cars over the years through all sorts of abuse. The following is a design used on later model Fords with McPherson struts for track and Rally use.
The Capri and Escort guys have their track arms cut
in half and a threaded bush welded on with a rod end screwed in to act as the
inner pivot. Or the factory inner bush mount can be reused. The Stage 1 and 3 track arms feature two
lock nuts with a Hex on the treaded insert to allow for easy adjustment. I myself would look into this design these
days over the eccentric inner camber pins. Here are pictures of the different
designs:
I would also
consider maybe a complete custom adjustable track arm be made in some cases as
unworn stock track arms and ball joint kits are getting harder to find. A newly designed track arm could utilize a
more common ball joint with the taper in the steering arm adjusted to suit if
need be.
Disclaimer:
The advice and guidelines given in these articles are given in good faith.
The owners and managers of the Galeforce Zephyr site will take no
responsibility for any injuries or loss sustained while carrying out the
described tasks and procedures or any consequences arising. Please read
the Safety First
Article