Any front end/alignment members here?

[fencebuilders]

I recently had a leveling kit and larger tires installed on my 4x4 quad cab at Les Schawab. The next day i had a popping noise coming from the front end area,only happened like 4 or 5 times,so i head back to Schwab,and they rebalance,align and put the stethoscope to work. They find that the tie rods have excessive play "in and out" they tell me that some side to side play is acceptable but there should be no play in the bushings in and out. They tell me it is definitely not acceptable and will cause alignment/tire wear issues. Front end work is not my strong suit,so im hoping for feedback as to this informations validity and a leg to stand on if i have to go to the dealer to remedy this situation. Thanks,Mark.

 

[DF5152]

what year is ur truck and how many miles... I have seen and heard issues where people haveinstalled lift without taking the front end apart and prying down on it to insert the bushing/spring and damaged the front end.

 

[fencebuilders]

Originally posted by DF5152

what year is ur truck and how many miles... I have seen and heard issues where people haveinstalled lift without taking the front end apart and prying down on it to insert the bushing/spring and damaged the front end.

My truck is an '03 with 2000 miles. Thanks.

 

[silverram03]

Check your leveling kit nuts to make sure that they are tight. My kit made a bumping sound especially going thru. bumps. My kit had settled and needed to be tightened back down. Hope this helps. Especially check the nuts behind the plastic splash panels. Could be tight, just push them back and be patient.

 

[DF5152]

sounds a little premature to be having worn out tierod ends

 

[fencebuilders]

Originally posted by silverram03

Check your leveling kit nuts to make sure that they are tight. My kit made a bumping sound especially going thru. bumps. My kit had settled and needed to be tightened back down. Hope this helps. Especially check the nuts behind the plastic splash panels. Could be tight, just push them back and be patient.

I will,thanks.

 

[fencebuilders]

Originally posted by DF5152

sounds a little premature to be having worn out tierod ends

I agree. .

 

[brillmtb]

While we are on alignment. Since there is no camber adjustment have any of you been successful with fixing the famous pull to the right?



1. Have the dealers acknowledged it

2. How was it fixed?

 

[IPULLRV]

pull to right

brillmtb--

my 2003 4x4 pulls. dealer can't fix. Took it to front end shop and they say can't fix! no adjustment. Some place in the U. S. there is a alignment shop that can fix. .

 

[MGibbons]

As far as your popping noise goes... . If this noise started after your kit was installed, more than likely its a bolt that is not good and tight. Check every bolt on the front end and tighten... . your noise should be gone. Pull problems... . Generally camber does cause a pull. Camber can cause a slight lead to the side with the most positive camber angle, but does not happen that often. The caster angle is the pull angle. Caster and camber are fully adjustable on the 2wd models. I do believe caster is adjustable on the 4wd models. I'll check for sure and get back with you. . Caster is your most prominent pull angle. The side with the lesser amount of caster will cause a pull to that side. If your truck pulls to the right you can offset the caster lower on the left side to correct this problem. . I have had to do this numerous times. Another pull problem(rarely seen) is a power steering pull. A simple check would be to start your truck without touching the steering wheel and watch the steering wheel very carefully. If it jumps slightly to one side the pressure is greater to that side. This would cause the truck to pull to that side. Your rack and pinion 2wd or your steering gear box 4wd would be where the problem is.



The most common pull problem seen today is a tire pull. If your truck is pulling to the right side, rotate your front tires side to side. If the truck now pulls left you know your tires are the problem.

 

[brillmtb]

It is my understanding that Camber is what needs to be adjusted and that the 4wd is not adjustable. Apparently less desireable ways to try to compensate can be attempted but can only be taken so far.



I understand that many 03 have this right pull so I would find it hard to believe it is the tires.



The dealerships seem to be claiming ignorance. Even the guy pulling into the dealer right behind me was there for the same thing... . just luck or this is really a problem.

 

[MGibbons]

If you will post your alignment readings, I will let you know what needs to be adjusted and how. I'm in the Atllanta, GA area and will be happy to help you solve your problem in any way I can. I have been aligning vechicles for 23 years.

 

[DPKetchum]

Mine pulls right. Dealer said its in specs and must be the road! I will print yhis thread and show it to them. I've told them before its a problem on lots of 03s and not the ROAD. Oo.

 

[brillmtb]

Well, it sort of is the road. My understanding from a local friend and aligement guy is that Dodge cut corners making the camber non adjustable and that the natural crown in the road was not accounted for.



I guess in Mexico there is no crown and the truck was within spec there.



I laugh at the dealers that give that answer. Indicates thier inability to come to terms with the truth.

 

[MGibbons]

If you have the caster adjusted to . 7 to 1. 0 degrees lower on the left side than the right side, i. e. 2. 0 3. 0 this will probably take care of your right pull problem, assuming there are no other problems.

 

[TGreschuk]

2003 Pulls to the right...

Good day,

I have just purchased a 2003 Diesel 4x4 4 door Dually and it too pulls to the right. It only has 300 km on it and the Service Manager at my local dealership told me that all that can be done is to set the toe as there are no other options as the camber and caster cannot be adjusted. I have had the tires swapped side to side but the pull is still there and it is driving me crazy. I haven't even made the first payment on this thing and I am very frustrated. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers,

Trent

 

[DPKetchum]

Lots of ours pull right also. best I can do for you as WE haven't gotten ours repaired either.

 

[DF5152]

Re: 2003 Pulls to the right...

Originally posted by TGreschuk

Good day,

I have just purchased a 2003 Diesel 4x4 4 door Dually and it too pulls to the right. It only has 300 km on it and the Service Manager at my local dealership told me that all that can be done is to set the toe as there are no other options as the camber and caster cannot be adjusted. I have had the tires swapped side to side but the pull is still there and it is driving me crazy. I haven't even made the first payment on this thing and I am very frustrated. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers,

Trent

Is it a pull or drift do u have to fight it with the steering wheel?

 

[DPKetchum]

With mine it depends on road how bad. Some roads it happens so quick at 55/60 its in the space of a couple car lengths. Other road surfaces its 6/7/8 car lengths but its constant. Even on four lane from the left side it will go right and the further right it goes once its past center it goes real quick right. I smoke. Cant't light a cig without constant control. Steering wheel is straight.

 

[TGreschuk]

It seems to drift to the right. I can be in the fast lane and it still pulls to the right. Very aggravating! Any help would be gratefully appreciated.