How would you center a 9" in the wheel well??
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 126
From: Armstrong B.C.
Car: 1991 camaro Z28
Engine: Forged 370" LS turbo s488
Transmission: Built 4L80e FTI converter
Axle/Gears: MWC 9" 35 spline 3.25 gears
How would you center a 9" in the wheel well??
Looking for some input on how y'all would so this. So I've got to move the rear end forward about 3/8" to get it centered in the wheel wells. I've got single adjustable control arms on order. Question is how would a guy accomplish this coming from stock length control arms without unbolting both sides possibly creating a mess?? Or unbolt one side and loosen the other to get some wiggle room??
Thanks for the input everybody
Thanks for the input everybody
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 10,421
Likes: 2,083
Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
Re: How would you center a 9" in the wheel well??
Lay the new arm next to the old and line up the mounting holes and then shorten the new by about 3/8 inch. If you have to make more adjustments then you're going to have to unbolt it.
Double adjustable arms let you keep it on car while making adjustments.
Double adjustable arms let you keep it on car while making adjustments.
Thread Starter
Supreme Member


Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 126
From: Armstrong B.C.
Car: 1991 camaro Z28
Engine: Forged 370" LS turbo s488
Transmission: Built 4L80e FTI converter
Axle/Gears: MWC 9" 35 spline 3.25 gears
Re: How would you center a 9" in the wheel well??
The double adjustable would be nice but it seems like everything is out of stock or two months out. I got these from founders performance a few days away on eBay
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 10,421
Likes: 2,083
Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
Re: How would you center a 9" in the wheel well??

In my experience it's easier to install to body side first and then the axle. That's my personal preference anyway with my combination of parts.
Last edited by QwkTrip; Jul 7, 2023 at 02:28 AM.
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,765
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From: Florida
Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42 Auburn
Re: How would you center a 9" in the wheel well??
I little trick I did was use a rachet strap hooked to the axle and the trans mount. Use it to pull the axle forward to line up the bolt holes.
Definitely bolt the body side first and do one at a time. I used non adjustable arms and I still needed to pull the axle forward for the holes to line up.
Definitely bolt the body side first and do one at a time. I used non adjustable arms and I still needed to pull the axle forward for the holes to line up.
Thread Starter
Supreme Member


Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 126
From: Armstrong B.C.
Car: 1991 camaro Z28
Engine: Forged 370" LS turbo s488
Transmission: Built 4L80e FTI converter
Axle/Gears: MWC 9" 35 spline 3.25 gears
Re: How would you center a 9" in the wheel well??
Oh ya, I think so. Getting the axle droop in the sweet spot is the key. Like anything, first one will be a bugger and take 2 hours and then you'll be a pro and next one will take 1 minute. 
In my experience it's easier to install to body side first and then the axle. That's my personal preference anyway with my combination of parts.

In my experience it's easier to install to body side first and then the axle. That's my personal preference anyway with my combination of parts.
I little trick I did was use a rachet strap hooked to the axle and the trans mount. Use it to pull the axle forward to line up the bolt holes.
Definitely bolt the body side first and do one at a time. I used non adjustable arms and I still needed to pull the axle forward for the holes to line up.
Definitely bolt the body side first and do one at a time. I used non adjustable arms and I still needed to pull the axle forward for the holes to line up.
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 10,421
Likes: 2,083
Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
Re: How would you center a 9" in the wheel well??
The only reason you end up fighting getting things aligned is because of the swing path of the torque arm. If you just attach front torque arm last then nothing will fight you.
Last edited by QwkTrip; Jul 7, 2023 at 01:39 PM.
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Thread Starter
Supreme Member


Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 126
From: Armstrong B.C.
Car: 1991 camaro Z28
Engine: Forged 370" LS turbo s488
Transmission: Built 4L80e FTI converter
Axle/Gears: MWC 9" 35 spline 3.25 gears
Re: How would you center a 9" in the wheel well??
I was actually planning on moving my torque arm up at the front to hit the tires a bit harder so I guess that settles it. Setting the pinion angle with this 2 piece race arm is a breeze, 2 jam nuts and give it a twist with my hand.
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