2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission alignment help

[KHenry]

hey needing help with alignment. I just replaced my steering setup on my 01. I went with the thuren pabrication setup. I got it all put together but need help with getting it realigned. can I realign it myself, or get it close then take it to a shop? If I can do it myself what are the proper steps. Thanks for any help

 

[Joe Mc]

"If" the Thuren fab set up you mentioned is just the track bar and some mounting brackets you should be OK to get it to an alignment shop. A new or adjustable trackbar should not change toe in/out. However, it most likely will change how the housing is centered on the frame/suspension. I'd get it to an alignment shop to get it centered true.



"If" you had to remove rod ends or the adjustment sleeve on the bottom link (assuming you have a 4X4 - try to get a signature set up so we can better answer questions) you should count the turns it took to get apart, write it down and count back together - that will get you close enough to get to a shop. Or, measure from the rearward end of the tire and compare to forward end then tweak the sleeve to get it close (use either inside, outside or center tread as your reference point - just make sure you use the same point fore & aft).



Alignment Spec's posted a few years back:



Originally Posted by Brent

Here's the problem:

Alignment programs (and service manuals I believe), give a wide acceptable range for front caster on the 4x4 Rams. I believe the range is 2 degrees to 5 degrees (if that's not correct, it's pretty close). The problem occurs when the alignment tech (independent or dealer) tells you that the measurements "checked out fine", just because they were in this broad range of acceptance. Caster readings that fall on either end of the scale are subject to caster shimmy, even though they are "acceptable". I had to align some 30 trucks and attend a 9 hour "Dodge Ram Chassis Dynamics Diagnostics" training session (fancy name, ehh?), before finding out that 3 degrees to 4 degrees is the optimal caster setting for 4x4 Rams that eliminates caster shimmy.

Below I will post what specifications I set Ram trucks to. First I want to give a little more info on correct Ram alignments so you can see if you had a job well done, The eccentrics on the lower control arms ARE NOT for individual wheel caster adjustments (even though our alignment machine says they are). The eccentric sleeves in the upper ball joints are for adjusting individual camber and total cross caster (difference in caster between two front wheels). This is why replacement eccentrics are positionable in eight different ways.

Once camber and cross caster are attained with the eccentrics, the lower control arm eccentrics are

then used to swing the caster readings into specifications. The two eccentrics must be swung in the SAME direction in EQUAL amounts. If they are not, it will create a setback condition (one front wheel further forward than the other).

FYI - Comparing between the two front wheels, caster will cause a pull to the smaller value and camber will cause a pull to the larger value. A truck set up with caster pulling in one direction and camber pulling in the other direction, can lead to a wandering truck; even though it is "in specifications"!!!!!!

If the eccentrics on the lower control arms of your truck are not pointing the same direction, the alignment was done incorrectly and the axle was "twisted" or "forced" into position to attain theacceptable values (seen them from the factory this way, go figure).

A correct alignment will set the truck up with a slight negative cross caster (truck has slight pull to left) to compensate for right hand road crown. Camber will be equal side to side slightly on the negative side. This will help maintain acceptable camber when hauling heavy loads, as the truck tends to lift in the front when towing. Camber will then fall slightly positive when towing.

Just because the alignment shop says "it's in specifications", that does not mean it is set up for proper performance and handling!!!!!!!!! Specifications (my personal settings for every Ram I align): all specs below are in degrees.





Left Wheel Right Wheel

--------------



Caster 3. 2 3. 5

Cross Caster -. 3



Camber -. 10 -. 10

Cross Camber 0. 0



Toe - standard specs, (maybe a little out if you tow a lot, they will pull in as the front end lifts up).



Brent

ASE Certified

Gold Certified Chrysler techre's the p the alignment shop says "it's in specifications", that does not mean it is set up for proper performance and handling!!!!!!!!! Specifications (my personal settings for every Ram I align): all specs below are in degrees.

 

[KHenry]

The steering I am talking about is not the track bar setup. He uses dom shafts and welds heim joints in them to replaced center link drag link and tie rod setup looks good but I need to get it back in align at least close enough to get it to an alignment shop.

 

[Big Sur]

Why don't you call Don? He's pretty easy to get ahold of and very helpful.