I know next to nothing about suspension. I have a 1985 Z28 LG4 with a 5 speed and 200k miles. Before I put the car up on blocks for some engine repairs, I would always have to hold the steering wheel or else the car would pull to the right.
After jacking the car up, I noticed that my right fron wheel hangs down in a peculiar way, and it doesn't spin as well as the front left.

The bottom of the right wheel is much closer to the center of the car than the top (this is camber, right?)

The previous owner (original owner, btw) mentioned to me something about the idler arm, and I noticed in the old paperwork that the car has gotten several alignments over the past 2 years.


What is the problem here?
I want to get the car back out to the streets soon, but I do not want to be driving a safety hazard.

 

Can't anyone help me?

 

I'd think anyone that does an alignment should be able to make things correct provided nothing is bent. If the tire spins less freely than the other, that would mean most likely a dragging brake on that side. Possibly try to check bearings with that too. Strange alignment things could be bent a-arm or tie rod. I'd kinda doubt an idler arm, but suppose it possible.

 

Right ... an idler arm problem wouldn't allow the wheel to hang different or prevent it from turning feely. Struts from 2 different manufacturers might allow one to hang different but I would think that they should be built to a closer tolerance than that. That leaves bent or worn parts. So ... if you can't figure it out and be positive with your diagnosis, seek professional help. The life you save may be your own.