ALMOST THERE!!! (Page 1/1)
eti engineer SEP 24, 09:38 PM
I just finished putting the cradle back in my '88 GT yesterday. Installed in the cradle is a freshly rebuilt engine, all new parts in the suspension system, a new torque converter and seal, etc. It was not too bad to put the cradle in by myself, but I hope I don't need to do that again soon!!! I still have to hook up hoses, wiring, linkages, etc., but the hard work is done. I just want to thank all of you who answered the questions I had and may still have as I finish. There is a lot of experience and knowledge in here.

I noticed that when I lowered the back end of the Fiero, after getting it off the dolly I built, that the rear wheels were showing a huge positive camber. But then I remembered that I had the same issue with my 280Z and 530i. If one lifts the rear end with the wheels suspended, they would hit the ground at this angle and stay that way until the car was moved and then they would settle out. At least I hope that is what it is!!! You can see this in the second photo below.

Thanks again guys for the help so far. You're a great group with which to be associated...
cvxjet SEP 24, 11:29 PM
I usually have my ten pound sledge-hammer nearby while working on the car- just to keep it (The car) in line (Intimidation)...

I did a lot of suspension work on my '85- including coil-overs, and THEN 88 rear cradle/suspension, etc.....When I was checking or testing things, I would lower the car, and then roll it back and forth approx' 6-8 feet to allow the suspension to take a proper set. I had two wood blocks so it wouldn't take off down the driveway or ram into the stuff in front in the garage....
Dennis LaGrua SEP 25, 11:30 AM
I notice the same phenomenon when my Fiero comes down off of the lift so I don't believe that it's anything to worry about. It should settle level in a short while.

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

eti engineer SEP 27, 10:27 AM
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

I notice the same phenomenon when my Fiero comes down off of the lift so I don't believe that it's anything to worry about. It should settle level in a short while.

I manually shifted the transmission out of PARK and rolled the car back and forth in the garage and the camber is now where it belongs. I am hooking up the wiring, linkages and hoses now. Hopefully this thing will be ready for starting soon.

Just one question...

Several times during this project, I have used a drill to spin the oil pump and prime the engine. Should I pull the distributor one more time and prime it before starting? Don't want to wipe out the camshaft from the git-go.
eti engineer SEP 27, 10:30 AM
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

I notice the same phenomenon when my Fiero comes down off of the lift so I don't believe that it's anything to worry about. It should settle level in a short while.
I manually shifted the transmission out of PARK and rolled the car back and forth in the garage and the camber is now where it belongs. I am hooking up the wiring, linkages and hoses now. Hopefully this thing will be ready for starting soon.

Just one question...

Several times during this project, I have used a drill to spin the oil pump and prime the engine. Should I pull the distributor one more time and prime it before starting? Don't want to wipe out the camshaft from the git-go.
eti engineer SEP 27, 08:31 PM

quote
Originally posted by cvxjet:

I usually have my ten pound sledge-hammer nearby while working on the car- just to keep it (The car) in line (Intimidation)...

I did a lot of suspension work on my '85- including coil-overs, and THEN 88 rear cradle/suspension, etc.....When I was checking or testing things, I would lower the car, and then roll it back and forth approx' 6-8 feet to allow the suspension to take a proper set. I had two wood blocks so it wouldn't take off down the driveway or ram into the stuff in front in the garage....



Good move with the blocks. If mine got to the slope in my driveway, I don't know if I could stop it by myself. As I said in the post below, I rolled it back and forth a few times and the rear wheels behaved. Will I need a rear end alignment? I don't see where there is a much in the means of adjustment. I know that earlier Fieros had a means of adjustment for toe-in, but unless the struts have a means of varying the camber, which I didn't see, I don't think there is anything that can be changed. Please advise...
Spoon OCT 01, 06:11 PM
Rear toe adjusted by tie rod. Camber adjusted by 1 of the large bolts on lower part of strut.

Spoon

------------------
"Kilgore Trout once wrote a short story which was a dialogue between two pieces of yeast. They were discussing the possible purposes of life as they ate sugar and suffocated in their own excrement. Because of their limited intelligence, they never came close to guessing that they were making champagne." - Kurt Vonnegut