Thom1

Hi Snag,

The new Hunter alignment machines contain detailed instructions for specific cars. Make sure they follow those. My alignment guy rolls the car forward by hand as a step in the alignment. You may want to ask for a printout of the alignment procedure from Firestone. I thought the current Hunters came with special plates that accomodate low spoilers.

SNAG84Sa

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO REPLIED TO MY PLEA FOR HELP.

As I stated I bought the motion pro spanner on Friday and got busy with it immediatly. For the alignment, the front spoiler and splash guards had to be removed so I left them off until I got the car raised and then re-aligned. I lazily took a fender measurement and lifted the car until the front wheels started to move. I marked the nut with a T.O. Sharpie and counted the amount of turns: about 15-16. I lowered it and started on the other side with the same amount of turns. I had no problems turning the nut which I give full credit to the cleaning of it done at the time of the shock replacement.

I haven't accurately measured the height as you all have suggested due to my work schedule and mosquitos. I'd hope to have gotten something done tonite but the the cold front that's come through brought lots of rain and dropped the temp (no kidding) at least 30*F in less than 3-4 hours.

Anyway the fender measurement is now 26 1/4" on both sides and the car rides better than ever even without the re-alignment except for the steering wheel is a little cocked to one side.

Weather permitting, tomorrow I hope to get an early start to be the first at Firestone. BTW thanks for the advice with the Hunter. I will definitely keep you 8ers updated with the rest of my progress. I also have lots of pictures to share if I only knew how to post them.

kshipp

Based on rough measurments (better measurements later this week), I'm riding a bit too low. I've read about a dozen threads on ride height, so my first question is which tool? I've followed all the links and searched around to summize these two options:

1. "Ohlins® Spanner Wrench" - http://www.worldofcycles.com/catalog...eyword=spanner
   $7.95
2. "Honda MX & ATC Shock Wrench" - http://www.motionpro.com/Docs/atvtools.html
   $15.50

Any recommendations?

Garth S

Just noticed this ebay item ....http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33582, which would also do the job.

jpitman2

I found that putting wheels on full lock helps adjustment with whells on ground - full right lock if lowering (pulling in front on rhs, pulling at rear on lhs), full left lock if raising. Also, I use a telesopic rod (eg with an inspection mirror on the end) as a measuring tool underneath - usually fairly stiff, they will hold position while you pull it out and measure it
jp 83 Euro S AT 48k

Schocki

Guys,
Don't think that I'm crazy but I went to our local hardware store (Home Depot) and bought a kitchen sink drain wrench. It's cheap and works just fine...
Klick on the link to see what I use :
http://www.superiortool.com/photos/s...tool/03845.htm

SteveCo

I'll vote again for the Vicegrip model 11R. Works well, fairly cheap and you can use it for lots of other things!

Regards,
SteveCo in St. John's