Front Suspension Overhaul with M3 Offset Bushings

[DRTE30]

Greetings,

I very recently performed a complete front end suspension overhaul and I have several open questions regarding fitment and alignment that I hope to get answered.

The LCA's, tie rods, and LCA bushings were all replaced with OEM parts.  The LCA bushings are e30 M3 offset bushings.  The struts are Koni yellow and the front springs are e30 M3 and are of the part number when they were made specifically for the M3 model - I think pre 89'.

The front sway bar is an Ireland Engineering 22mm adjustable with Ireland Engineering adjustable sway bar end links.

My first question is that I need to perform a front end alignment pronto, but am unsure how to approach this with the addition of and change to the M3 offset bushings. When I show up to the mechanic, I have no idea what specifications I am to give him/her?

My second question is how do I know that the LCA's and the tie rods are properly seated into the carrier? As I stand right now, I'm just not confident that these four respective connections are not fully seated.

My third question is in regard to the LCA connections to the sub-frame. Like question 2, I am not confident with the seating of the threaded ball joint to the subframe.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Aloha.

[d.hitchcock]

Regarding alignment, the only thing the technician can change is front toe. There is no special adjustment to make for the offset CABs.

You should get a touch more caster than you had before, which translates into slightly more dynamic negative camber under cornering loads. All of that is good.

Regarding seating the balljoints: Put a floor jack under the balljoint in question and put some pressure on the underside of the balljoint. You don't have to go nuts and lift the car off the jackstands ...

The pressure will hold the balljoint/stud stationary while you tighten the nuts.