NJ LWB GLS - Shocks and correcting wheel alignment

[grasshopper]

A local mechanical business has dudded me...
The process was kicked off by the front tyres wearing noticibly (3mm) more on the outside of both tyres (Camber angle i believe).

The shop (Not Pe663Xs, nor Goo6y34r) did not perform the requested wheel allignment to correct the problem and instead put the Paj' through a Shock test and stated the front shocks were sad, and the tyre wear was due to the lower ball joints being shagged too. sounded like BS to me.
So I said no to any work other than the tyre rotation (front to back). Especially given they claimed the wheel alignment was fine, but did not actually put it on the alignment machine to check.

I have decided to replace the stock shocks after who knows how long... could even be the originals.
Went with Ironman Nitro Gas models - from Auto One :-)

So, the Q is how to tweak the Camber myself?

[peter92]

you cant really it needs to have shims put in or out, has to be done by wheel i=alinement place
regards peter

[mrbitchi]

If you've cranked the torsion bars for lift then it definitely needs camber adjust. Often they need new, longer bolts fitted to allow enough shims to be installed.

[nj swb]

I would've put some money on the company that did the shock test and found other faults, but I'm not normally a gambling man - just as well, as it looks like I would've done my dosh!

As others have said, shims need to be added to correct the camber, which requires a suspension specialist. Some major tyre chains will only check / adjust toe, and send you on your way.

Find a suspension specialist, and ask them to check and report. Pay for the check, and tell them to NOT do anything without talking to you first.

[grasshopper]

Thanks for the info and options.
Discussions with a work mate that knows another mechanic in town who does not have any bad experiences that i can find thus far... and does a LOT of work on the clubman level race cars in the area... will do a thorough wheel alignment on the Paj next week. and talk me through the state of the steering components.
This weekend i will check the lower bjs myself for free play and have a good look about at the state of the boots on bjs and front drive shafts and bearings.

[sprintman]

If you haven't replaced the lower ball joints by now they will be a lot worse than 'shagged'. Get it up on a Road Force Simulator (shaky ramp) and it becomes obvious.

[grasshopper]

Folks,
tip for other DIYers - keep the new gas shocks compressed with zip ties until you have it in position, then cut one :-)
The shock will expand into the right position and it is so much easier to finish the job... lesson learnt.
The last time i fitted new gas shocks to a vehicle - they were Monroe Touring gas shocks to an EX Falcon in the mid '90s. And they had a wire keeper to allow you to keep them compressed until you had them in the right place... not anymore.
The old ones were genuine Mits and were badged KYB gas filled... definitely no gas in them now. Quite difficult to compress and expand them...