Modern wheel alignment

[Joseph Donnelly]

After installing the KORE suspension, I thought it would be a good idea to get the front end aligned. The last time I got this done on one of my vehicles was many years ago. At first I was surprised at the cost, and also that the tech said I should check the rear also. Willy at Wizard Auto, a fellow TDR member, recommended this guy, Dave, at Westside Auto in Albuquerque so I decided to see what it was all about.



He uses the state-of-the-art Hunter equipment on all four wheels, and told me most vehicles are not all that close. Mine wasn't either, and it wasn't anything to do with KORE, just normal production tolerances from Dodge. This guy Dave knows his stuff and set the caster well on the positive side, like John Holmes and others have recommended for our Turbo Diesels, and also put in some bias from side to side so it will track better on crowned roads. He spent at least three hours getting everything perfect. I saw the numbers on the computer screen and could tell he did an excellent and careful job, and that it is possible today to do a far more precise job than equipment used years ago.



If your Ram doesn't behave well, or the tires are wearing crooked, find a shop that really cares and has top-notch equipment like Westside. If you are anywhere near Albuquerque, I can recommend them highly (505-452-8355).

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Good points Joe. Another thing I heard was to not take your truck to a typical automotive alignment shop, but instead find a shop that does medium duty trucks like ambulances, UPS trucks and so on since they're better equipped for HD pickups.



Vaughn

 

[JessePayne]

does anyone know of a top notch front end shops near reno nevada. After I do all my front end mods I will need a good alignment

 

[AMink]

I see some trucks going down the road and it looks like the rear end is not following the front end. Almost like they're crabbing down the road. I was told that the rear end of my truck is not adjustable. I, too, would like to find a really good alignment shop in the Reno/Carson area. Anyone?

 

[JessePayne]

I am going to try Mcveys in Reno,NV. I was referred by a 4x4 shop who said they send all their work there after lifts or any suspension mods. The phone #775-331-7979

 

[AMink]

I've heard the name, but don't know anything about them. Let us know how it turns out. Thanks

 

[kscheffler]

Joe: Can you post the alignment specifications that you used I am interested in aligning my truck also. . thanks

 

[Rod_Montana]

I have a long-standing relationship with a local Tire-a-rama shop just because their equipment and tech on the alignment rack is top notch. The new 3500 had a level-kit installed by the dealer (thus no warranty zaps later in life) and they said no alignment needed.



Right.



So... over to Duane's shop. I wanted an independent review of the driveline and front end anyway. And Duane lets me under the truck when they're working on it. Very cool.



Some numbers:



First was toe-in. Raise the front, tow-in increases. This was . 79deg. Enough to scrub your brand-new tires bare in 5k miles. Should be . 1 to . 3.

Is now . 14. Perfect... and mileage takes a small jump upward.



Caster. Liked this. 4. 9deg on the left, 5. 2 on the right. 4. 0 to 5. 5 is the range.



Camber. . 1deg on the left, . 4 on the right. A bit backwards, would be better if this were reversed, but it's a lot better than the 04 truck, which was at the high limit on the right. Truck will track better down cambered roads if the left has higher numbers than the right side. On the 04 truck, it would pull right and we had to swap tires around until we found the best solution. Camber is not adjustable unless you install ball joints with an offset. Spec range is -. 03 to . 08.



Camber and tow on the rear: Yep, they check it. Not possible to make adjustments, but if the numbers are grossly wrong, then its time to talk to DC. Total toe was . 07deg. Cross camber is . 4deg. Thrust angle is . 15deg which is in spec (-. 20 to . 20). Shouldn't be too bad on tires.



Ball joints: 11k on the clock and all four have about 1/16 of movement. Not bad enough to effect alignment... yet. Probably won't make 45k though. The rest of the front end, including the track bar looked okay.



The drive shaft and axle u-joints were all good too. However, pinion lash was a bit more than I'm used to seeing. Not sure what's good or not good here. Just it seemed somewhat excessive. 15k is coming up soon, so we'll take a look then.



The best $44. 95 I've ever spent.

 

[Devan Manis]

do as vaughn said, alot of shops can't do the long wheel base, as their lifts are too short.

 

[Schlickenmeyer]

Thanks for the numbers, I compared my last alignment, as I am likely due again soon.



Front:

Toe : Left . 05 Right . 06

Caster : Left 2. 7 Right 2. 6

Camber Left . 3 Right -. 1



Looks like I got a good shop. Had no idea, really. recommended to me.

 

[KennethS]

You can get a free aligment up to 12,000 miles paid

by the factory and I always make sure I get It. This way the tires last longer.