On Fri, 18 Mar 2005 22:26:38 GMT, "DevilPaul" >
wrote:

>"Dinsdale" > wrote in message
...
>> The unibody is the main structure of the car...less the front fenders,
>> hood, doors, decklid (basically the stuff that's bolted on).
>> The suspension is bolted to the unibody....if the unibody is bent, those
>> mounting points have moved in relation to each other and alignment may be
>> impossible.
>>
>> Now, why the alignment shops say that subframe connectors are the reason
>> an alignment can't be done is beyond me because they shouldn't be in the
>> way. The alignment shops should have found if some parts (the lower
>> control arms...tie-rods...etc) were bent.
>>
>> As others have said in this thread...the body shop needs to confirm if
>> the unibody is straight. (if it's a collision repair shop it should have
>> a frame jig to check it) If they don't check it, they may be giving you
>> an unsafe car.
>>
>> If they say the unibody is straight...tell them to check the k-member
>> (even though it should be part of the unibody checking)...the front
>> suspension/steering/brakes are bolted to this and it's bolted to the
>> unibody.
>>
>> Here's a pic of an aftermarket k-member...it's the blue thing.
>> http://mustanglife.tenmagazines.com/...aine/77928.jpg
>
>Thanks for the info Dinsdale, it's definitely appreciated. The unibody on
>the car is straight. All of the damage I had as cosmetic and I only bumped
>the guard rail at around 15 - 20MPH. I had the car taken to a Ford dealer
>and aligned.


Glad to add to the knowledge base....Happy Motoring.