Alignment
- Thread starter Noogie
- Start date
Sputnik
Well-Known Member
The 2WD & 4WD specs taken directly from the manual:
I gave a print-out to the tire/alignment guys when I recently had new tires put on, and they didn't seem to have any trouble dialing it in. Van used to pull to the right and now it drives straight as an arrow.
Also, wassup 757 from the 804.
I gave a print-out to the tire/alignment guys when I recently had new tires put on, and they didn't seem to have any trouble dialing it in. Van used to pull to the right and now it drives straight as an arrow.
Also, wassup 757 from the 804.
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^That's the one. You probably want to download the workshop manual even if you have a mechanic do some work.
My preferred alignment specs (corrected for right hand traffic):
Right: Caster 3°, Camber -0.3° (-15'), toe 0.5mm (29" tyre, measured at the 15" wheel rim *not* tyre tread.)
Left: Caster 2.5°, Camber -0.3°(-15'), toe 0.5mm (for a total toe in of 1mm)
This is a 90% highway alignment with good road feel. The low toe-in and slight negative camber reduce understeer, which is what I prefer in a RWD when my legs are the crumple zones. It's a touch tail-happy when provoked, but calms down when towing or full of gear. If it feels a bit wandery on the highway increase total toe in to 2mm (1mm each side).
My preferred alignment specs (corrected for right hand traffic):
Right: Caster 3°, Camber -0.3° (-15'), toe 0.5mm (29" tyre, measured at the 15" wheel rim *not* tyre tread.)
Left: Caster 2.5°, Camber -0.3°(-15'), toe 0.5mm (for a total toe in of 1mm)
This is a 90% highway alignment with good road feel. The low toe-in and slight negative camber reduce understeer, which is what I prefer in a RWD when my legs are the crumple zones. It's a touch tail-happy when provoked, but calms down when towing or full of gear. If it feels a bit wandery on the highway increase total toe in to 2mm (1mm each side).
Sputnik
Well-Known Member
Yep, in Richmond. Stone is a stone's throw from my house. Let me know if/when you come through and we'll get together.
Are you aware of any other Delicas in you area? There's about five in the Richmond metro area.
Noogie
Member
I forgot to mention that my Wife is currently looking for a white Delica. If successful, there will be two Delis in the 757...
mikldom
Member
Not Quite 757, but I am down in Elizabeth City (30 miles south of Greenbriar).. I have the national seashore beach driving pass and goto OBX often enough.. Taken my Deli all the way across Big Levels (From Coal Road side out to the Parkway up near Sherando).. rated as difficult on the Jeep Trail Pages. I am up for meeting up to talk shop.. I've had mine since Feb. 2018 (3 years now)
mikldom
Member
Back to alignments for a second. I took the print out from the manual, printed out just the 2 pages with the specs; highlighted the 4x4 section and crossed out the 2wd. I took it up to a local shop and he actually walked me back to his machine and showed me how he can add the specs in. I got my delica finally aligned properly about 2 weeks ago. 70 bux. Learys alignment in Elizabeth City NC. Nice guy, veteran.
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mikldom
Member
I put on some shocks about 2 years ago on the front. about a year ago the driver side starting knocking on every bump. I am finally getting under it today and fix it. Michael from Delica USA posted in one of the FB groups that AWD Aerostar Vans had shocks that fit. They are about 30 a piece from your local auto parts place. I am pretty sure it is the shock. I have ruled out everything else. Went as far as replacing the front tie rod ends. (this precluded me getting an alignment. The van actually ate a tire driving with a messed up alignment for a year.).. I had it previously "aligned" by a shop who said they found the specs, but I think they lied. This other shop was very helpful and took my info and aligned it. Other than the front end is just not as stable as a vehicle with a "hood" and stiffer front end, it no longer pulls to the right. Hampton is not far. I plan on going up there this weekend to buy some VW wheels from a guy. I have wheel adapters to fit the old vw wheels to my (mostly) restored Subaru Brat. That thing is a beast too.
mikldom
Member
Not sure, but I just realized, his rims are 4.5 inches wide. not recommended to put more than a 185 wide tire on it. I wanted to put 215/75/15 tires on the rims. I need to figure out another route. I do get up to Busch Gardens often (have season passes). I get up there in my Delica often, but sometimes my Expedition. It just depends on how much of a nice ride I want for that 1.5 hours. The Brat doesn't go far.
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nlaverdure
Member
Hey fellas-- I just added my Newport News van to the map. Resurrecting this thread a bit to say that American Pride Automotive on route 17 in Yorktown has worked on my vehicle for a couple years (for both me and the previous owner). Hope to see Matilda around!
mikldom
Member
Cool. would love to do a meetup in VA on the Blue Ridge Parkway.. maybe camp (primitive) up in Crabtree Meadows or on the beginning of the Bald Mountain Jeep Trail (Big Levels). Cave Mountain Lake is an awesome Primitive Campground near Natural Bridge. Also some good offroading not far from Natural Bridge. I have not done Potts Mountain near Roanoke, but I have been all the way across Big Levels in the Delica from Coal Road side to Parkway (rated difficult on all trails). I did Shoe Creek down to Alahambra in a Lifted Subaru back in the day when it was open. I started to go down in the Delica, but being by myself, and that trail is hell, I turned around. A group ride would be awesome. I hope to get a Winch and that Awesome Winch plate the admin sells. I am also active on a few of the FB groups.
mikldom
Member
Also, anytime any of the VA peeps want to get to OBX to go on the beach, look me up. Unfortunately on Hatteras Island (Oregon Inlet and south) need a pass. I have the year long sticker. You can drive on the north Beaches north of Corolla all year, but to park between Memorial Day and Labor Day need to buy a pass. For that reason I don't go there because the beach isn't really that good to pay 150 for the summer season. The National Seashore pass is 120 for the year and much more areas to drive and enjoy the beach. I live about an hour from OBX.
Noogie
Member
Well, damn! That’s close by! Close enough to putter over some place and meet for a beer. I’m out of town next week, but the following week I’m full-up.
