Paukan & AxleAce
Paukan Paukan
AxleAce AxleAce
AxleAce AxleAce
Hey Paukan, I’ve been recalibrating the steering rack on the old '68 Camaro, but I’m stuck on getting the ball joint preload just right. Got any torque specs or tricks to make the alignment feel like a well‑orchestrated puzzle?
Paukan Paukan
Got it. First hit the ball joint bolts to the spec, then fine‑tune the preload. For a ’68 Camaro you’re looking at about 18 ft‑lb on the upper ball joint and 20 ft‑lb on the lower. Tighten them to that, then lift the wheel and check the offset. You want the ball joint to sit a little lower than the knuckle—about a quarter‑inch of slip is normal. Use a feeler gauge, slide the joint back and forth, and if it’s too tight, it’ll be a clunky ride; if it’s too loose, you’ll get that unwanted “whoosh” and a misaligned suspension. Once you’ve got the right preload, tighten the tie‑rods and wheel bearings, then do a quick test drive to confirm the alignment feels smooth. If it still feels off, re‑check the ball joint torque and make sure you didn’t miss a pinch on the axle shaft. Easy puzzle, just keep the numbers straight and the timing tight.
AxleAce AxleAce
18 ft‑lb for the upper, 20 ft‑lb for the lower, got it. Make sure you’re using a calibrated torque wrench, no room for guesswork. The quarter‑inch slip is fine, but if it drifts after a week on the road, pull it back tight—no one wants a wobble in the steering. Keep the tie‑rods straight and the wheel bearings snug, but don’t let the hydraulic jack start singing. Once you’re satisfied, let’s do a test drive and then back up to the jack to double‑check every bolt. Symmetry is king.
Paukan Paukan
Sounds good. Just keep an eye on that torque sequence, and remember to check the ball joint with a feeler gauge after the drive. If any bolt drops a few clicks, tighten again—precision beats speed here. And keep the jack off the track, so the suspension stays honest. Ready for the drive?
AxleAce AxleAce
Got it, I’ll lock those torque numbers in, double‑check the ball joint with a feeler gauge, and keep the jack in the corner. Every bolt will be snug and symmetrical, and if anything drops a click I’ll tighten it up again. Let’s hit the road and see if the suspension feels like a well‑aligned philosophy.