engine and drivetrain Toe and Camber adjustment question

[bimmerbrando]

I'm still working my way through the game with my 2002 as a newbie.

I lowered my 2002 and saw instantly that I needed some camber adjustment so I ordered all the rear components to refresh my rear sub-frame through ireland engineering. I bought everything except for the rear toe adjustment brackets thinking I didn't need them.

I got my order and it said they recommend doing both for lowered cars (of course). Before I order the toe adjustment also I wanted to see what other people thought and if it is truly necessary. I want to do it right the first time but just like everyone else I don't want to spend another $100.00 if I don't have to.

Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks, Brandon

[M3M3]

its TOE, not TOW.

do you need? depends. how low did you lower it? what are your camber and TOE readings?

but yes. if you are going through the effort to remove the subframe and weld on the camber adjusters, you may as well do the TOE adjusters while you are in there.

[bimmerbrando]

I haven't taken it anywhere yet for readings and I made sure to correct my misspelling. Thanks for the advise.

[Lee]

I lowered my 2002 and saw instantly that I needed some camber adjustment

You can flip the subframe mounts in ordee to raise the subframe. That will take care of the increased camber that happens when a car is lowered. Thst's the only rear suspension mod I did. No other adjustment and the car is low.

[AceAndrew]

but yes. if you are going through the effort to remove the subframe and weld on the camber adjusters, you may as well do the TOE adjusters while you are in there.

Exactly. Brandon, if you're going to lower the car it's simply going to effect both the camber AND the toe (as stated it will vary depending on what springs and what shape your trailing arms are in). Tire wear is going to be more associated with maligned toe rather than off camber. So, yes, IE will recommend it with reason and not just to take your money.

Flipping the the subframe bushings will bring the subframe up closer to the chassis will help a bit but I wouldn't even begin to consider it flipping as an adequate solution.

The smart thing to do is to measure your setup before you start, what is acceptable for a performance street car is going to be different than what is acceptable for a race car.

[TobyB]

In my experience, the toe doesn't change enough to matter as you lower a 2002.

Yeah, , shocker that,

but it's what I've measured on 3 cars. Camber gets

quite high for a street car, but

toe seems to sit pretty safely at 1/16" to 1/8" IN, total, across the TIRE.

Which is fine for a street car. Exactly what you want.

That's been my firsthand street, track and race experience.

Now, if you're going to the trouble, and you think you might track it,

might as well. Just because when you start really looking for those last

few tenths, they're in getting the rear to respond quicker.

But it's not a huge deal.

What is, is when a toe adjuster slips. THAT is one of the more

eye- opening experiences....

t

[Todd21]

Brandon,

Unless you are looking to go hell-a-slammed (sp), sit the car down, let it settle a few drives and then step back and see what you think. The rear of my car sits pretty low due to running IE stage II springs with basically no rubber (I actually have the cup liners from the front struts on it to prevent the noise of the spring and the perch hitting one another) and IMO, I have no chamber issues.

Todd

[75duce]

I lowered my 2002 and saw instantly that I needed some camber adjustment

You can flip the subframe mounts in ordee to raise the subframe. That will take care of the increased camber that happens when a car is lowered. Thst's the only rear suspension mod I did. No other adjustment and the car is low.

What about the diff mount did you do anything to that ? Or did you just let it

twist up? I have always wanted to do this mod but was worried about the diff mount and any other unforeseen problems.