- Plymouth produced two vehicles based on the A-body or "A-platform" body style in 1968, the Valiant and the Barracuda. Both vehicles are equipped with a front suspension system that must be adjusted to ensure that the front wheels are properly positioned in relation to the body. This positioning is often referred to as "alignment" and consists of four specifications. Because both cars are the same body type, their specifications are identical.
- Caster is the relationship between the steering spindle angle and the upper and lower ball joints. If the upper ball joint leads the lower ball joint, the caster is negative. If the lower ball joint leads the upper ball joint, the caster is positive. The acceptable caster angles for the A-body are between 0 and -1 degrees if the vehicle is equipped with manual steering. The optimal caster setting is -1/2 degrees. If the vehicle is equipped with power steering, the acceptable caster angles are between +1/4 and +1-1/4 degrees. The optimal caster setting is +3/4 degrees.
- Camber is the angle of the wheel in relation to the ground at a 12 o'clock and six o'clock position. If the top of the wheel is angled outward, the camber is positive. If the bottom of the wheel is angled outward, the camber is negative. The camber angle for a 1968 Plymouth A-body is +1/2 degrees on the left side and +1/4 degrees on the right side.
- Toe-in means that the wheels point slightly inward when the wheels are centered. Proper toe-in allows the steering wheel to return to its center position unassisted after a turn. The toe-in specification is 1/8 inches for the A-body.
- Toe-out means that the wheels point slightly outward when they are centered. When toe-out is used, steering becomes very sensitive. The toe-out angle is 18 degrees at the outer wheel and 20 degrees at the inner wheel.
Caster
Camber
Toe-In
Toe-Out
SHARE
