Was talking to the shop that pressed my new upper A-Arm bushings in with the offset cross shafts. I was telling him I was going to cut a coil to a coil and a half off my springs to lower the front end a little. He made the comment that, that might change my alignment. Is this true?

I also ask this because when I rebuilt my front end with new components(not offset shafts though) I also changed the springs(new springs were shorter than the original but had larger diameter coils) and that is when the alignment shop told me I needed the offset shafts so they could shim it properly.

When it was aligned with the original springs and old(but still good) front end components there were minimal shims then. SO if I cut the coils will I not need the offset shafts or do you think I'll still need them? Your advice and opinions are always helpful and appreciated. Pete

It is always a good idea to have the alignment checked after messing with the front suspension. It's cheap insurance.

It is always a good idea to have the alignment checked after messing with the front suspension. It's cheap insurance.

Not a t 80.00 a pop! This will be the third one in less than 1,000 miles. That's why I'm asking for help. This is the last time I want to do this for a while. Thanks Pete

80 bucks is still a lot cheaper than new tires. if you dont want to align it then stop messing with the front end or stop wasting money on alignments until you are done doing everything you are going to do to the front end.

Pete. In a nut shell, YES. Changing the ride hight will effect the alignment. For proof, Place a floor jack under the front cross member, Stand a level or any straight edge on the tire. Now jack the front of the car up a few inches. You will see how much the tire changes its angle.
Do everything you wish to do to the front end and then get it aligned.
Note; Changing the ride hight of the rear will also effect the front alignment.

Pete,

Furball was on the right track.

IF your car had zero camber change over suspension travel AND it had zero bump steer you would not need to align it as you change ride height. But since neither of these conditions are met, that means your camber and toe will go off as you change ride height. Since you spend most operation time around ride height you want the camber/toe setting optimized there. Otherwise you do risk shorter tire life.

If you would like to save the $$$ check out the home alignment thread we had recently:

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173204

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and helping me understand the geometry of front end suspension a little better. Unlike some I'm still learning and in the process have to mess with things. I really appreciate the help, suggestions and your patience with me. Pete