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Alignment 400i

Discussion in '365 GT4 2+2/400/412' started by tr0768, Nov 9, 2009.

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  1. tr0768

    tr0768 Formula Junior

    Oct 28, 2008
    736
    Lake Stevens Washington
    Full Name:
    Howard Musolf
    #1 tr0768, Nov 9, 2009
    Had the 400i Cabriolet aligned a couple of days ago. What a difference at higher speeds even with our worn out freeways, it tracks straight and smooth. I had a total 4 way alignment done. (still need to replace wheels and tires, keep those ideas coming)
    While on the alignment rack we noticed the left rear corner down about an inch from the right side. I also noticed there was quite a bit of oil around the rear shocks on the left side. I have read about the so called self leveling system and its short comings.

    My question is about the modifacation and using adjustable modern shocks and removeing the spheres and adjustable shock system. any thoughts, has anyone actually made this conversion? I understand that shocks are available but need mountings fabricated, not problem for my guys in the shop.( my guys love a challange) I have read about this modifacation but can't find it now.

    Howard Musolf
    tr0768
    1982 400i Cabriolet
    1981 308gtsi
     
  2. SouthJersey400i

    SouthJersey400i Formula 3

    Mar 14, 2007
    1,679
    Romulus, NY (Finger Lakes)
    Full Name:
    Ken Battle
    #2 SouthJersey400i, Nov 10, 2009
    Howard
    Search through the threads for "rear shocks" and see what you find. There is a very long thread giving a couple of options including racing shocks with adjustable spring perches.
    Ken
     
  3. ArtS

    ArtS F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 11, 2003
    13,368
    Central NJ
    #3 ArtS, Nov 10, 2009
    The spheres are availlible for M-B, they are the same as the ones on the 400, just with a different mounting bracket (there is a thread on this somewhere here...).

    Regards,

    Art S.
     
  4. mgsamman

    mgsamman Rookie

    Aug 1, 2009
    31
    Seattle / DC / Dubai
    #4 mgsamman, Nov 14, 2009
    Hi Howard,

    Where did you get the alignment done? I need to get it done on my 400i.

    Regards,

    Marv
     
  5. tr0768

    tr0768 Formula Junior

    Oct 28, 2008
    736
    Lake Stevens Washington
    Full Name:
    Howard Musolf
    #5 tr0768, Nov 14, 2009
    We have Formula Tire in Marysville Wa do all our alignment work. Dave at Formula is an old drag racer/car guy and is really into cars. His techs are first rate and really do care about their work. Formula does all our Subaru work plus my antique and exotic cars too. I highly reccomend their alignments. Be sure and mention my name if you decide to have them align your Ferrari. Or better yet, call me and i will let Dave know when you are coming in.

    Regards,

    Howard Musolf
    tr0768
     
  6. blkprlz

    blkprlz Formula 3

    Mar 24, 2007
    2,169
    Tampa bay
    Full Name:
    Bruce
    #6 blkprlz, Nov 14, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  7. jacques

    jacques Formula Junior

    May 23, 2006
    877
    Los Angeles/Florida
    #7 jacques, Nov 14, 2009
    Believe or not..Hunter Alignment Systems has our cars in their computer systems. Pulls right up. In the St.Petersburg area Mike at Kauffman Tires on Tyrone Blvd does mine. Mike is a huge Fiat fan and Ferrari enthusiast and Fiat /race/mechanic. Here is some info for the three ring binder. You will need to supply the shims to most anyone who aligns your car. Dig this..they are FIAT...$1.00-$2.00USD..there are varying thicknesses, so buy several(15-20)to CYA..or you may certainly bend over for the F-Pimp for at least 5 bucks a pop and he won't even kiss ya. On a final note... be sure to allow the tech extra time to work on the car, as I can guarantee those bolts will cause him to use some "special" universal language to free them up. But we're rather used to that aren't we now. Once the four corner alignment is done, you just won't believe the improvement.+-$100USD. I hope that this is of some value. Jacques.
     
  8. SouthJersey400i

    SouthJersey400i Formula 3

    Mar 14, 2007
    1,679
    Romulus, NY (Finger Lakes)
    Full Name:
    Ken Battle
    #8 SouthJersey400i, Nov 16, 2009
    Jacques
    Usually you should not need additional shims. On my car you just move them from the alignment side to the "dumb" side of the bolt for the control arm shims. I think I have one or two "unused" on each adjustment. Of course the lower ball joint shims work similarly to adjust caster by moving shims from one side of ball joint to the other.
    Ken
     
  9. jacques

    jacques Formula Junior

    May 23, 2006
    877
    Los Angeles/Florida
    #9 jacques, Nov 16, 2009
    The and reason that I mention buying several shims is that the firs time (before new ball joints and whatnots), we needed them and didn't have them, so, Mike fashioned some. Next time with new tires brakes and ball joints it went like glass and we took out the ones that Mike had made.I have learned in my profession to over prepare for everything. Regarding these cars, I have spent considerable time in the last decade + of ownership learning, that you cannot over prepare. Just my $.02...but who am I, anyway?.
     
  10. Fritz Ficke

    Fritz Ficke Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 3, 2006
    2,266
    Tucson, AZ.
    Full Name:
    Fritz Ficke
    #10 Fritz Ficke, Nov 16, 2009
    Thanks for the pointer Jacques,
    Fritz
     
  11. bundas

    bundas F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Dec 31, 2005
    7,090
    lexington ky usa
    Full Name:
    mitchell barnes
    #11 bundas, Nov 23, 2009
    Howard if you want me to try and title car for road in ky. please call me. mitchell 8596191441
     

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