2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Alignment (Pulling) Question

[JGWatson]

I have a '96 Turbo 2500 4x4 extended cab, lwb automatic which I purchased (ordered) new. Currently has 104,600 miles. From about 5-6000 miles has had a slight pull to the right. Steering wheel off center and have to hold constantly to the left [slight to moderate]. Had it back to dealer couple of times first year or so, & to couple of independent alignment shops. All said was OK. . within specs etc. .

Original tires (Goodyear 245-RT-S [48. 5K miles] & 2nd set of 265 AT-S [about same mileage]) all wore on outside edges [ to the point of being worn smooth on outside & having 5-6/32's on inside] & the pull varied from slight to moderate during the years, wound up living with it. Tires rotated every 5-6 k miles & alignment with new tires. Last year it started wandering, especially in a slight turn to the right. Replaced Track Bar w/ Luk'sLink & new Michelin 235-85's AS [road tread] @ 98K and alignment at dealer. Drove Ok for 2k miles & has started again, pulling & thread wear with about 5500 miles on the new tires. Thinking about taking to another independent in Nashville that specializes in trucks etc. Any ideas or comments, setting etc before I take it. ????

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

You can center the steering wheel by turning the tie rod sleeve near the pitman arm. A shim under the right wheel, against the wheel hub, will reduce pulling to the right on braking. My 97 has a . 14" thick (3. 5mm) shim and does not pull. If the shim is removed, it pulls strongly to the right on braking. 4863760 is the part number stamped on my shim.

 

[WTBurke]

Joe D. , are there different size shims? I have no pull on braking but a very minor pull to the left regardless of road crown. I do notice a slight more "break-dusting" on the left front rim after about 600 miles after a wash-job compaired to the right front. I suspect caliper not relaxing all the way due to "glide-pins" not "gliding". This could be my problem but the weather has been so bad I've not had a chance to pull the rim and caliper to check the "slide-action" of the glide pins.



It's funny... the truck used to have a minor pull to the right before I modified the suspension. I swapped tires to eliminate the possible "radial-pull" syndrom after the modification with no result.



I'm under the impression that most of these rigs do have a slight pull to the "right" and not the "left".



I've checked around my area with independent service places and the dealer to find most of these people during the conversation have a "deer in the headlights" look on their face. Not one person even mentioned a "shim" correction



William