The body on my 2005 6-speed sits with the right rear fender lip protruding over the outside of right rear tire sidewall about 2" whereas the the left rear fender lip is almost flush with the left rear tire sidewall. As far as I know (Carfax is clean), there have been no accidents and the body is very straight, door/fender seams are even and symetric, and the exhaust tips evenly spaced in the rear bumper cut-outs. Everything attached to the frame looks like it has never moved. Rear springs don't rub and rear axle looks centrally mounted. However, when lossing the body mount bolts, they look like they are pointed to the right. Could this be a factory issue where the body was not set down on the frame squarely, or is this type of missalignment common? Can this be fixed by loosing the body mount bolts (5 on each side), raising the body and repositioning?
My SSR: Was - 2006 Slingshot Yellow: Final Production Run #23343 Born Feb 21, 2006 (Moved on to a good home)
This does not sound good. As a starting point I would try and get another R next to yours and take some detailed measurements of the suspension and frame to body dimemsions to establish exactly what is out of alignment. A clean car fax does not mean it hasn't been hit if the previous owner fixed it himself. Almost sounds like a drift into a curb with one of the back wheels could have knocked the suspension to one side and maybe even bent the chasis mounting bolts.
This does not sound good. As a starting point I would try and get another R next to yours and take some detailed measurements of the suspension and frame to body dimemsions to establish exactly what is out of alignment. A clean car fax does not mean it hasn't been hit if the previous owner fixed it himself. Almost sounds like a drift into a curb with one of the back wheels could have knocked the suspension to one side and maybe even bent the chasis mounting bolts.
Keep us posted on what you find.
I took it to the local dealer, and he could not find anything wrong. They advised that I schedule some time on the frame rack ($200) to have it laser measured. I also checked each bolt and they are all straight, and no signs of any of the rubber mounts shifting. I've have also compared to some other SSR's I've seen parked and they were also off, but not as bad as mine. I'll probably take it to the rack to see later this month.
My SSR: Was - 2006 Slingshot Yellow: Final Production Run #23343 Born Feb 21, 2006 (Moved on to a good home)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Minkster
I took it to the local dealer, and he could not find anything wrong. They advised that I schedule some time on the frame rack ($200) to have it laser measured. I also checked each bolt and they are all straight, and no signs of any of the rubber mounts shifting. I've have also compared to some other SSR's I've seen parked and they were also off, but not as bad as mine. I'll probably take it to the rack to see later this month.
That would be a good starting point. From your description it sounds like the rear axle might be off center a bit & while it's there they may be able to adjust things to line up better. If they do make any adjustments it would be a good idea to get a 4 wheel alignment done at the same time.
You need to get another SSR next to yours and make a few key measurements underneath. Your problem will either be a frame-to-body mismatch (I hope not) or a suspension mismatch.
Measure from the rear section of the frame to some body seams and corners to tell you if your body is off center.
Measure from the frame to the rear axle hubs to see if your axle is off center.
I'm willing to bet it is the axle that is off center. If your truck is lowered, the panhard bar will push your axle slightly left naturally. My truck is lowered about 1.5" in the rear and I have about a 1/2" offset to the left on the rear axle..... normal. There are adjustable panhard bars available that can correct this issue.
Regards,
Mike
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Minkster,
Maybe us retiree can meet up with you on your flex day off or over the weekend ... any weekend & park along side of your SSR and compare measurements.
Another suggesting is to take your SSR over to Camarillo Alignment Center 270 Aviador Street Suite G in Camarillo. Ph # 805-987-5620. The owner is a man shop and he has work on a number of our retiree group of SSR owners. If you do that, let us know and perhaps we can meet you there.
FYI - Mine & CANARY'S SSR have been lowered while PVPDriver, Wayne are stock.
My SSR: 05 6 sp. with 4.56 gears, ZR1 clutch, Edelbrock intake, Lunati cam, Crane rockers, C6 modified pan
Minkster, here's a simple test, you can do yourself, that should help define the problem. I just took a simple measurement on mine for body to frame consistency. With a tape measure, I measured behind each rear wheel from the bottom outer edge of the frame rail, straight out, to the outer edge of the fender. Both sides measured close to 16 3/4", so in my case the body is very square on the frame rails. In fact, though mine is lowered and I haven't done any track bar adjustment, my tires are are also within 1/8" of perfect alignment too. I would suspect it is an track bar issue, possible the bar itself is bent or a mounting bracket improperly installed or bent. Also, inspect the rubber bushings in both ends of the bar for a failure there. Good Luck!
Last edited by Topspin; 10-13-2010 at 11:23 AM.
Reason: sp.
Minkster, here's a simple test, you can do yourself, that should help define the problem. I just took a simple measurement on mine for body to frame consistency. With a tape measure, I measured behind each rear wheel from the bottom outer edge of the frame rail, straight out, to the outer edge of the fender. Both sides measured close to 16 3/4", so in my case the body is very square on the frame rails. In fact, though mine is lowered and I haven't done any track bar adjustment, my tires are are also within 1/8" of perfect alignment too. I would suspect it is an track bar issue, possible the bar itself is bent or a mounting bracket misplaced. Also, inspect the rubber bushings in both ends of the bar for a failure there. Good Luck!
Good idea Topspin. My 05 6 speed is 16 3/4" both sides too. It has not been lowered. There was an old thread about a rear spring that was not seated correctly. I believe it was a lowering spring.
Minkster, here's a simple test, you can do yourself, that should help define the problem. I just took a simple measurement on mine for body to frame consistency. With a tape measure, I measured behind each rear wheel from the bottom outer edge of the frame rail, straight out, to the outer edge of the fender. Both sides measured close to 16 3/4", so in my case the body is very square on the frame rails. In fact, though mine is lowered and I haven't done any track bar adjustment, my tires are are also within 1/8" of perfect alignment too. I would suspect it is an track bar issue, possible the bar itself is bent or a mounting bracket improperly installed or bent. Also, inspect the rubber bushings in both ends of the bar for a failure there. Good Luck!
Thanks, I'll do that. Is the track bar the link that goes from the frame to the differential?
My SSR: "Kate" a Haughty Redhead, '06 Redline FPR 6 spd. #23333 Build Date 2/16/06
Aaah Kate, you are perfect!
If it is out like that shouldn't it "dogtrack" as I've always heard it called, which is very noticeable when following behind.
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That would be a good starting point. From your description it sounds like the rear axle might be off center a bit & while it's there they may be able to adjust things to line up better. If they do make any adjustments it would be a good idea to get a 4 wheel alignment done at the same time.
Good luck.
Bob
A service tech checked underneath and said the rear axle looked centered on the frame.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike in AZ
You need to get another SSR next to yours and make a few key measurements underneath. Your problem will either be a frame-to-body mismatch (I hope not) or a suspension mismatch.
Measure from the rear section of the frame to some body seams and corners to tell you if your body is off center.
Measure from the frame to the rear axle hubs to see if your axle is off center.
I'm willing to bet it is the axle that is off center. If your truck is lowered, the panhard bar will push your axle slightly left naturally. My truck is lowered about 1.5" in the rear and I have about a 1/2" offset to the left on the rear axle..... normal. There are adjustable panhard bars available that can correct this issue.
Regards,
Mike
My truck isn't lowered, and all the links and control arms to the rear axle appear to be straight (I'll check again).
Quote:
Originally Posted by RUN ROD RUN
Minkster,
Maybe us retiree can meet up with you on your flex day off or over the weekend ... any weekend & park along side of your SSR and compare measurements.
Another suggesting is to take your SSR over to Camarillo Alignment Center 270 Aviador Street Suite G in Camarillo. Ph # 805-987-5620. The owner is a man shop and he has work on a number of our retiree group of SSR owners. If you do that, let us know and perhaps we can meet you there.
FYI - Mine & CANARY'S SSR have been lowered while PVPDriver, Wayne are stock.
PM me your email address.
I have had all my cars (C6 Z06, E46 M3, and SSR) aligned by Renee at Camarillo Alignment. He did the SSR a while back (I had to show him that you can adjust the camber using the bottom A-arm to frame mount , left a copy of the spec page from the service manual). He didn't mention any problem when he checked underneath. I plan on talking to him after I get the truck off the frame jig depending on what they find (maybe we can meet up then). I'll let you know. Sending PM. Thanks.
Minkster, here's a simple test, you can do yourself, that should help define the problem. I just took a simple measurement on mine for body to frame consistency. With a tape measure, I measured behind each rear wheel from the bottom outer edge of the frame rail, straight out, to the outer edge of the fender. Both sides measured close to 16 3/4", so in my case the body is very square on the frame rails. In fact, though mine is lowered and I haven't done any track bar adjustment, my tires are are also within 1/8" of perfect alignment too. I would suspect it is an track bar issue, possible the bar itself is bent or a mounting bracket improperly installed or bent. Also, inspect the rubber bushings in both ends of the bar for a failure there. Good Luck!
Mine measures approx 17 1/4" on the right, and 16 1/4" on the left. Also, both rear tires are approx 6" from the frame rails to the inside tire wall. So I would say the body is 1/2"-3/4" off center on the fame. None of the links from the axle up to the frame are bent, bushings are good. Looking through the two vertical brackets that hold the trailer hitch, you can see the center of the license plate space is about 1/2"-3/4" to the right. It looks more exaggerated when looking at it from the top of the fenders to the tires. Does that seem excessive, should it be right on?
Had the frame checked at the local dealer and it was found to be "diamonded" with the left side slightly aft of the right (1/2"-3/4") . Spoke with the service manager, Dave, and after reviewing the cars history, CARFAX (which GM used to certify no frame damage for their CPO vehicles) he recommended contacting GM customer service. I followed his advice, and after filing the case and GM looking over everything, GM told Dave they will fix it!
Had the frame checked at the local dealer and it was found to be "diamonded" with the left side slightly aft of the right (1/2"-3/4") . Spoke with the service manager, Dave, and after reviewing the cars history, CARFAX (which GM used to certify no frame damage for their CPO vehicles) he recommended contacting GM customer service. I followed his advice, and after filing the case and GM looking over everything, GM told Dave they will fix it!
Had the frame checked at the local dealer and it was found to be "diamonded" with the left side slightly aft of the right (1/2"-3/4") . Spoke with the service manager, Dave, and after reviewing the cars history, CARFAX (which GM used to certify no frame damage for their CPO vehicles) he recommended contacting GM customer service. I followed his advice, and after filing the case and GM looking over everything, GM told Dave they will fix it!
Rich, If I may ask, which local Dealer is "Dave" employed by?
Glad to hear that something was found and will get corrected.
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. Spoke with the service manager, Dave, and after reviewing the cars history, CARFAX (which GM used to certify no frame damage for their CPO vehicles) he recommended contacting GM customer service. I followed his advice, and after filing the case and GM looking over everything, GM told Dave they will fix it! 
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