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Suspension Setting Front Alignment - Do I care about the rear's thrust angle?

  • Thread starter Thread starter dan50
  • Start date Start date Nov 27, 2025

dan50

Member
Mar 20, 2009
36
9
18
Cary, NC
Nov 27, 2025
#1
  • Nov 27, 2025
  • #1
I'm learning how to do my own alignment (MFE's posts have been bookmarked for years and it's time I get on with it; the 95 spindle install I did last month necessitates this!!!). While his instructions focus on the front wheels, there are other writeups that are for cars with adjustable rear suspensions where the rear is aligned first. Should I care? I'm lazy and it's an additional step lol. I know I can't change the rear's thrust angle (easily with the current suspension setup at least), but I could use the thrust angle as the proper front toe centerline. Anyways, thoughts would be appreciated. I've driven this car 200 miles in the past year.
 

nickyb

I gotta say i never painted my nuts, Never Ever
15 Year Member
Apr 3, 2009
2,969
1,616
153
nevada
Nov 27, 2025
#2
  • Nov 27, 2025
  • #2
I don't know about you but I certainly don't care about the rear adjustment ,as I have daily driven my car for the last eighteen years and only did the front-end .
Been over 316,000 miles and no regrets
 
Reactions: dan50

dan50

Member
Mar 20, 2009
36
9
18
Cary, NC
Nov 27, 2025
#3
  • Nov 27, 2025
  • #3
I like it
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
5 Year Member
Aug 25, 2016
27,837
10,511
203
polk county florida
Nov 28, 2025
#4
  • Nov 28, 2025
  • #4
Stock rear suspension?
Stock ride hieght?
Don't worry about it.
 
Reactions: dan50

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes
Founding Member
Oct 28, 2001
5,793
3,927
183
Claremore, OK
Nov 28, 2025
#5
  • Nov 28, 2025
  • #5
Only way I know is to have a full floating rear end and use shims on the end of it. This is only done on race cars not street driven cars. Buddy of mine had -1 deg in the 8.8 on his American Iron car. I believe Bruce Griggs set the rear end up or advised him on how to do it. Again, this is a complete waste of time on a street car unless you have an IRS in the car.
 
Reactions: dan50

Kid wita 5oh

I'm definitely not in the original hole
Founding Member
Nov 5, 2000
1,406
149
93
Saugus, MA
Nov 28, 2025
#6
  • Nov 28, 2025
  • #6
If the thrust angle is off(rear axle not squared-ish- to body) something is wrong... Worn bushings, something bent, misadjusted control arms(if not stock arms).

If it's off enough the car will dog track down the road..
If you're talking less than say 2 degrees, don't worry about it. These cars bend and flex a lot nothing is ever perfect
 
Reactions: Noobz347, dan50 and AeroCoupe
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