Re: [alfa] GTV-6 Ball joint removal-update-final

[John Brase <jbrase@xxxxxxxx>]

It's done!  For those who have been hanging on, no doubt breathlessly, 
to my front shock replacement saga the job is done and the car is back 
on the road.  Thanks to Graham, John and Joe for the help.  Graham may 
be dismayed that I didn't follow his advice to weld nuts onto the broken 
bolts.  I probably should have, but I was already too far down the other 
path...  I did need to enlarge the slots on the lower shock ears to 
accommodate the 10mm bolts.  I don't think this will cause a problem but 
time will tell.  I did take the opportunity to cut (grind) 1/8" off the 
"A" arm spacers in an attempt to get the camber somewhere closer to 
spec.  It "eyeballs" good.  Now I need to take it to the alignment guy, 
the one (actually it was two) who told me it couldn't be done, and have 
him fiddle with the caster and toe.  BTW, the suspension book I have is 
for the Alfetta and has a November 1975 date on it.  Are the front end 
geometry specs from this book good for an '84 GTV6?  I think Cardisk 
uses the same specs but if anyone has other info I'd be grateful.

Next project: "Sport rear springs."  IAP and others say they are a 
little stiffer and about 1.5" lower.  That would be good since the front 
end is lower than stock and it looks like a 40 Ford hot rod (Does anyone 
remember "rake?")  Can I install rear springs without unhooking the half 
shafts?  The book seems to suggest they be unbolted but the book is a 
little vague on this point.  I'd just as soon not go there if I don't 
have to.  Seems I could just unbolt the shocks and the Watts link and 
drop the DeDion tube as far as it goes and remove/replace the spring. 
Or, do I need to glom onto a cheap (i.e. Harbor Freight) spring 
compressor?  Also, any other suggestions for a source for 
shorter/stiffer rear springs?

John
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