I have an '89 which rides about 25mm higher on the n/s than the o/s. There is 23mm difference bolt to bolt between the lengths of the front dampers and the gap between bump stop and top arm is about 10mm on the low side and about 36mm on the high side.
The cones are new Minispares standard, the trumpets are identical, the knuckles are both new.
The angles of the two top arms are clearly different.
Measuring down the tower bolt hole using the spring compressor, the threaded part of the cone on the low side appears to be 6mm higher, which would explain about 18mm of difference, but I don't understand how it can be???
Measuring down the tower bolt hole, the top of the subframe to the top face of the crossmember is within 1mm from side to side.
What is odd, is that on the low side (o/s) the subframe tower hole is displaced forwards and the cone compressor has to angled forwards to engage the thread. See the photo. IMG_0208.jpg 70.38K 24 downloads
I am beginning to think the top of the subframe tower may be cracked around the back, where I can't see it and the top plate may be flexing and allowing the suspension to settle. I did have to weld up fatigue cracks around the top plates on my '71 car 20yrs ago when I noticed them while the subframe was out, but I can't find any reference to this happening on later rubber mounted subframes.
Can anyone suggest a sure check that will enable me to work out what the problem is without removing the subbie? I know I will have to drop it to weld if it turns out to be cracked.
Was hoping it was a bent top arm but having got the parts, that hope faded when I took more measurements. (Should learn something from that.)
Many thanks for any suggestions.