Author Topic: upper and lower wishbone swing arm query  (Read 1979 times)

swood1

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upper and lower wishbone swing arm query
« on: October 22, 2019, 10:28:13 »
Hi all,

Is there a defined distance the upper and lower wishbone should be spaced relative to the nuts? and the subframe mounting.

If you look at the photos attached hopefully you will see what I mean.  The manual I have just states that the lower and upper wishbones need to rotate freely but in theory I can move the lower or the upper wishbone either left or right and it can still rotate. 


Regards

Steven

250 SL (early), in bits. Triumph TR4a

Tyler S

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Re: upper and lower wishbone swing arm query
« Reply #1 on: October 22, 2019, 13:36:20 »
These are used for minor caster dimension differences from left to right of the car. For now set them centered and even on both sides of the car. When you go in for your alignment they may need to be adjusted slightly. Most often they wont need adjustment if they are kept the same on both sides.
1968 (67) 250sl. 4 speed manual. DB180 Silver
1955 220 Cabriolet A. White Grey
2019 E450 Wagon. Majestic Blue
1936 Ford PU Flathead V8. Creme on tan interior.
1989 Volkswagen T3 Westfailia Campmobile. Dove Grey (blue)

Benz Dr.

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Re: upper and lower wishbone swing arm query
« Reply #2 on: October 22, 2019, 15:36:32 »
I thought that caster adjustments are done on the front sub frame mounting. 
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

Tyler S

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Re: upper and lower wishbone swing arm query
« Reply #3 on: October 22, 2019, 19:17:51 »
Dan, yes the leaf eccentrics adjust caster as well. But you adjust those together as a set to get in the ballpark.
You can then adjust the upper wishbone pivots to compensate for minor differences between left and right. Just make sure you dont put the upper and lower arms in a bind in relation to eachother
1968 (67) 250sl. 4 speed manual. DB180 Silver
1955 220 Cabriolet A. White Grey
2019 E450 Wagon. Majestic Blue
1936 Ford PU Flathead V8. Creme on tan interior.
1989 Volkswagen T3 Westfailia Campmobile. Dove Grey (blue)

Benz Dr.

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  • Benz Dr.
Re: upper and lower wishbone swing arm query
« Reply #4 on: October 22, 2019, 21:20:25 »
Yup. We're on the same page here.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC