While I agree that "It's normal" is a phrase often used to describe a condition the mechanic doesn't understand or doesn't want to deal with, some drift is normal for a Suburban. A Suburban in not a car and does not handle quite the same as a car typically does even when new. If the drift is severe, check for any looseness in the front end and correct as needed. Check also for incorrect tire size or tire underinflation or rims replaced with rims of incorrect offset.

== == == == Don't buy the "it's normal" line. Wandering can be tuned out of any car. You are going to have to find an alignment shop that will work with you on it. Go to an independent shop in your area that does lots of light trucks. My advice is to not go to a big national chain. Although its not always true, they tend to align to a basic spec and leave it at that. Your Suburban wants a lot of caster to track well. There are metal plugs that need to be knocked out of the upper control arm mounts to get the extra caster. If your at 80,000mi or more, the steering gear needs to be adjusted (10 min job). That, and a quick check of the toe adjustment should take the wander out. If you have put 18" rims or some other big tires on it and have run them for 60K mi or more you're goint to need most of the front end parts replaced. Here's the list (Lower ball joints, lower control arm bushings, outer tie rod ends, idler arm, pitman arm (upper and lower half). The front ends are fine with stock wheels and tires, but they don't hold up well with bigger ones. I have just been through the same thing, and finally have it drivign linke new again. If you want to talk some more about this drop me an e-mail. power_shift_it@_nospam_hotmail.com (Just take out the _nospam_ to reach me.) Good luck. Scott

The Nissan SR20DET is a popular 4-cylinder JDM engine known for being the heart of the Nissan 180SX and Silvia. SR20DET engine swaps are popular in North America for 240SX owners.

SR - Engine Family

20 - 2.0 Liters Displacement

D - Dual Overhead Cam

E - Electronic Fuel Injection

T - Turbocharged Nissan also produced a cheaper naturally aspirated (non-turbo) version of the SR engine called the SR20DE.

Get a licence

In Britain, from January 1 this year, the licensing rules were changed and every driver wishing to contest stage rallies now has to hold a Stage Rally Competition Licence. Complete novices will have to complete a BARS (British Association of Rally schools) course and apply to British rallying's governing body, the MSA, for a "Go Rallying Pack". For39 British Pounds, you will receive an MSA Competitors' yearbook, a novice application and a video on rallying. The next step is attending one of the 10 registered BARS schools for a 15-minute theory test and a driving test lasting roughly 10 minutes. If you successfully pass both, you can send off your application and a 'National B' status licence will be yours. The National B licence This piece of paper is your gateway to the various national rally championships at clubman level. Alternatively you could join a one-make series, of which there are currently four in the UK run by peugeot, Ford and Volkswagen. There are advantages to both but with a one-make series you will learn fast and compete against people at your level. A full season in a one-make series will be relatively cost effective and coupled with that you have the back-up of a manufacturer and skilled personnel at your disposal. Indeed, reigning world rally champion, Richard won Peugeot's one-make series, the Peugeot Challenge in 1991. Peugeot Sport boss, Mick Linford offers his words of advice: "My own point of view is that a one-make championship is a very level playing field. You go into the championship knowing that everything is down to your driving. "To anyone wanting to get started in rallying, get as many events under your belt as you can. Nothing beats experience. Also build up that experience with a regular co-driver."