Caster and Camber Adjustment
GENERAL INFORMATIONThe camber and caster angles on the Viper are adjustable using cams located on the lower control arm bushing pivot bolts. Correct camber and caster specifications are obtained by simultaneously rotating front and rear adjustment cams until lower control arm is correctly positioned.
CAUTION: Prior to any cam bolt rotation, locknuts must be loosened to ends of pivot bolt threads. This must be done to allow lower control arm mounting brackets to be spread allowing free movement of bushings. If not done, serious bending of bracket, weld breakage of cam retainer, fracturing of free cam and cam bolt shank or thread damage can occur. It may be necessary to tap bracket ears away from bushings to allow unrestricted cam bolt movement.
CAMBER ANGLE
Camber angle adjustment involves the repositioning of the lower control arm pivot bolts using the adjustment cams. There are 2 cams located on each lower control arm pivot bolt, 4 per each corner of the vehicle front and rear. Repositioning of the pivot bolt cams moves the lower ball joint in or out to obtain the required camber specifications.
CASTER ANGLE
Caster angle adjustment also involves the repositioning of the lower control arm pivot bolts using the adjustment cams. There are 2 cams located on each lower control arm pivot bolt, 4 per each corner of the vehicle front and rear. Repositioning of the pivot bolt cams moves the lower ball joint fore or aft as required to obtain the required caster specifications.
The caster angle on the Viper is read directly off the front and rear knuckles rather then using a sweep method. Front and rear Caster angle is readable using Inclinometer Sensor, Special Tool 6989 mounted to Caster Angle Fixtures, Special Tool 6915 and Caster Angle Fixture, Special Tool 6916, or equivalents.
NOTE: The Inclinometer Sensor, Special Tool 6989, or equivalent must be zeroed (calibrated) prior to each time it will be used to read the caster angle on the vehicle. The Inclinometer Sensor, is calibrated with the surface shown positioned on a know flat surface such as the alignment rack. Refer to the Inclinometer Sensor, Special Tool 6989, or equivalent Operators Manual included in the Essential Viper Alignment Package, for the specific procedure to be used to zero the Inclinometer Sensor, Special Tool 6989, or equivalent.
Caster Angle Fixtures Special Tools 6915 and 6916, or equivalents mount directly to the front and rear knuckles using the caster angle pads. The caster pads correctly locate the Caster Angle Fixtures on the knuckle. The caster pads are located on the front edge of the front steering knuckle and the rear edge of rear knuckle. Be sure caster buttons are thoroughly cleaned before mounting the Caster Inclinometers on the knuckles. Caster Inclinometers must sit flat on caster buttons to obtain accurate caster reading.