CC plate slotting.

[whtpny]

Hey Guys,
I see that alot of people say to just slot the stock CC plates to get an alignment on FRPP B springs. CAn anyone describe what exactly is done for this. I am competent enough to do it just want a decription of how it has been done and what did you use to slot them?
I am not positive if the plates were slotted or the chassis itself?

I can't seem to find what I am looking for by doing a search.

Thanks.

 

[Shakerhood]

I know you are looking for the easy way out, but in all honesty you should shell out the $170 for a good set of Aftermarket CC plates as it will save you in the long run on tires.

 

[whtpny]

Actually not looking for an easy way out. Just read several discussions on it and since the car is not road raced or autocrossed I didn't need to make multiple adjustments. Just wanted info so I could decide for myself if it was a feasible option. I do agree 110% that my $400 Nittos don't need to be ruined prematurely. $170 is not much for plates. I am just trying to keep the engine bay pretty close to stock looking.

 

[Shakerhood]

Its not so much needed for multiple adjustments, more than keeping your car aligned in the first place. Just driving normal there is deflection in the rubber from the Lower A Arm and in the Stock CC Plate that it cant even hold your tires in proper alignment. If you drive aggressive at all, I would put the Aftermarket ones in.

 

[whtpny]

Yea may as well. Anybody have any alignment settings for good tire wear. I hear some caster adjustment helps nose dive as well. Am I correct?

 

[stang8urimport]

Wow, whtpny... You're RIGHT ON. NO YOU DON'T NEED Caster Camber plates!!! I've been stressing this for a LONG time. Unless you are road racing the car, there is no need for the c/c plates. You should beable to adjust the c/c ONCE and that's it. Unless you bend something, it's not going to go out more then a couple tenths of a degree under normal wear and tear. I am an ex-Ford Alignment technican. I told people to take OFF their caster camber plates, send them back, and let me slot the strut tower. That's the thing. You don't slot the PLATE, you actually slot the strut tower where the bolts come through. Ford designed the strut towers with extra beef to be able to do this. I would take it straight to the Ford dealer, as I learned a LOT of things about alignments from them. I thought I was good until I worked there. Glad to see someone else believes in this, and isn't wasting 200 bucks on things they don't need. It's like putting a 75MM t/b on a stock motor. Just not needed. Good luck, bro!

Nick

 

[Shakerhood]

Wow, whtpny... You're RIGHT ON. NO YOU DON'T NEED Caster Camber plates!!! I've been stressing this for a LONG time. Unless you are road racing the car, there is no need for the c/c plates. You should beable to adjust the c/c ONCE and that's it. Unless you bend something, it's not going to go out more then a couple tenths of a degree under normal wear and tear. I am an ex-Ford Alignment technican. I told people to take OFF their caster camber plates, send them back, and let me slot the strut tower. That's the thing. You don't slot the PLATE, you actually slot the strut tower where the bolts come through. Ford designed the strut towers with extra beef to be able to do this. I would take it straight to the Ford dealer, as I learned a LOT of things about alignments from them. I thought I was good until I worked there. Glad to see someone else believes in this, and isn't wasting 200 bucks on things they don't need. It's like putting a 75MM t/b on a stock motor. Just not needed. Good luck, bro!

Nick

I never said that the car could NOT be aligned! The reason for buying CC plates is the same as buying new Lower Control Arms, there is alot of deflection and compliance built into them and they flex like crazy. If you do any aggressive driving at all, CC plates should be seriously considered!

 

[stang8urimport]

Agreed. That is the only advantage I see in CC plates, the spherical bushing.

 

[Shakerhood]

Agreed. That is the only advantage I see in CC plates, the spherical bushing.

Agreed too, much less deflection during spirited driving. You also gain strut travel by raising the top mount.

 

[whtpny]

How much extra clearance needed in the slots?

 

[stang8urimport]

Just depends on how much the caster/camber is out. I would not slot it yourself... You only slot it one way to get the adjustment right. Let the shop do it.