2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Front end alignment question

[Deezul1]

At 187,000 miles I think it might be a good thing to get the front end checked. No problems other than a slight pull to the right that is a little more than it should be when going down the highway. My question is about the need for a 4 wheel alignment. Every place I go they tell me it has to be a 4 wheel alignment and I think thats BS. I used to do this for a living in the late 60s and there was no such thing then except in a frame shop for collision damage. These trucks are no different than the older stuff that I can tell so what gives here? It seems a simple check for Castor, Camber and toe in should do it.

TIA

John

 

[jimk]

Originally posted by Deezul1

At 187,000 miles I think it might be a good thing to get the front end checked. No problems other than a slight pull to the right that is a little more than it should be when going down the highway. My question is about the need for a 4 wheel alignment. Every place I go they tell me it has to be a 4 wheel alignment and I think thats BS. I used to do this for a living in the late 60s and there was no such thing then except in a frame shop for collision damage. These trucks are no different than the older stuff that I can tell so what gives here? It seems a simple check for Castor, Camber and toe in should do it.

TIA

John

I am in the same situation as you. I will tell you that the steering box brace that I bought from Piers did help the way the trucks drives. I know how to use a caster- camber, tool. I intend on using the specs that I have seen on Fritzs Page. good luck Jim

 

[Midnight]

Dl5treez is correct, the heads on the rear axle is used as a reference, but is usually called a THRUST alignment, not a 4wheel alignment since there is no adjustments in the rear. Be careful as to how much you pay. A 4 wheel is more money than a thrust alignment.

 

[shendren]

this is what mine is set to. drives straight down the road.....







https://www.turbodieselregister.com...?threadid=21792&highlight=4x4+alignment+specs

 

[mediccummin]

MY truck

When it was new had a bad dog tracking problem. The dealer aligned it 4 times with no success ( of coarse this is the dealer). Anyway, I found out the rear axle was off 5/16" which was causing major problems. So if your rear axle is off and they align it by the rear wheels it will throw everything off. You should have them check and do a 4 wheel alignment, I had this done at a 4x4 shop. Also had to add Adjustable ball joints since our trucks ball joints are not adjustable. I used Ingle products ball joints. Good luck

 

[FJfonda]

John,

Do you have a 4wd? I had a slight pull at 100,000 and it turned out to be a severly worn ball joint. The bottom of the tire had 2" movement in and out.



A 4 wheel alignment is a good check of the overall suspension alignment. There is no adjustment for the rear but it can identify severly worn spring bushings or any bent parts. Since I plow, I spend the $60 every year as a sanity check before towing heavy in the spring. At your milage... . I would consider upgrading to front poly bushings and then an alignment.



My experience is stay away from Sears and the chain tire/shock stores for an alignment. Find a local shop that will spend the time to talk to you before and after the alignment. My last one I was in the shop during the alignment and got to ask a lot of questions.



Chip