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Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
June 2004
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KE55 Coupe Wheel Alignment
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Wed, 25 August 2004 13:11
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We've had two KE55 Coupes in our family over the years. First was a 1978 which eventually got the cancer, & went to Toyota heaven. My wife was so sad, I bought her another one. Current one is a 1979 KE55 Coupe with square headlights & the honeycomb grill. These are the most incredible cars. Just so reliable, and so easy to work on. Only thing I've done to current one is put a 5 speed box in behind the 4K-C & some very good oil.
When the first one died of cancer, we stripped it of all mechanicals so have a good array of spare parts.
Although the KE55 Coupe is in very good condition,I am seriously considering working it right over.
However, recently I had occasion to follow my wife in her KE55 coupe, with my Camry. I noticed that the KE55 coupe was crabbing slightly. I put the car up on stands and had a very close inspection to see if the car had ever been in an accident before. There were no tell tale signs at all. I don't want to start a project on the car if it has a major body flaw.
Strangely, I have followed a couple of other KE55 coupes recently and noticed that they crabbed slightly also.
Before I put it on the stands at the weekend, and run a few string lines & undo rear u-bolts & front cross member etc. I thought I'd ask you guys if this is a common problem with the KE series, and is there anything I should look for in particular. Any suggestions or pointers would be greatly appreciated.
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Location:
Penrith
Registered:
May 2004
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Re: KE55 Coupe Wheel Alignment
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Wed, 25 August 2004 13:57
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Check the pins on the leaf springs which locate them on the axle - mine had one of these snap a few years back, and the result was the crabbing thing. The u-bolts were tight enough to stop the axle from sliding right up the leaf spring, but still allowed enough movement to cause trouble.
I replaced both leaf springs and all the u-bolts for new ones, and never had the problem again.
Don't give up on the KE-55 - you were right, they are great!
Good luck,
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Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
June 2004
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Re: KE55 Coupe Wheel Alignment
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Wed, 25 August 2004 14:11
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Thanks Toymax, thats exactly where I was going to start. Off with the rear u-bolts. It's always nice when someone else has had the same problem. You don't feel so bad. Especially if it's fixable. I'll let you know what I find. Thanks again !
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