[Healeys] 100-4 BN2 Front suspension alignment question

[bertvanbrande at yahoo.com]

Hi,

As I was going over my 100-4 BN2 frame one more time before sending it off to paint, I noticed the left front suspension front A-arm bracket sitting higher than the right one.  Measurements confirmed that it is about 5/16" higher, the rear A-arm bracket is about 3/16" higher than the left one.

This prompted me to re-attach the front suspension and re-evalute camber/caster.  I took multiple measurements with a digital level with a magnetic mount that snaps to the hubs and I confirmed camber with a plumb line, measurements and trig math (to be honest using a calculator on the web.)

Here's the results:

LH Camber  1.1   shop manual spec = 1.0  
RH Camber  0.6

LH Caster  1.2   shop manual spec = 1.75
RH caster  1.7   (caster measured from -20 to +20 degree wheel rotation)

I could adjust the camber with the upper adjustable offset bushes and actually bring this close to 0 degrees which seems to be the current preference with modern tires.

Note that the car is on a rotisserie, connected by the bumper bracket mounts.  It is easy to level the car.  The car is not loaded, no engine/trans just the frame + body panels so no flexing.

The caster numbers confirm the measurement of the brackets height.
 1/8" of height difference between front and back compared to left correspond roughly to 0.5 degrees.  So adjusting the caster will require cutting and welding brackets and probably shock plate.

But before I do that I would like to ask if a 0.5 degree difference in caster is noticeable.  These numbers could also change again when the frame is fully loaded.  They probably will as the left rail was repaired with kilmartin sections, so this one is probably a bit less prone to flexing.  I remember camber was measured at the reputable Healey shop where we did the body/frame repair and was exactly 1 degree on both sides with the car pre-loaded with 700lbs of lead simulting engine/trans weight.  I am unsure however if/how caster was checked.  

Upon removal I tagged the suspension according to the side of the car but the previous owner could have things swapped around.  So I might also test changing the suspension from left to right and re-measure.  Is this usefull at all?

Am I fretting to much over this?  Is 0.5 degrees difference still within spec?  Should I just have the frame painted, the car assembled and see how the car rides and bring it to an alignment shop and change things if required?

Sorry for the long winding email,  
Looking forward for your advice and experiences

Bert