2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering Woes

[Dave M]

Update:

It's been awhile since I started this thread so I thought I'd update this thread with the results.



To recap, after the first tire was ruined on the right front I found the "Lukes Link" on the track bar was loose and the right front caster bolt at the axle end was very loose so I could move it by hand. I added a shim to the "Lukes Link" and got a new caster bolt. Then bought a new tire and had it aligned.



Well, I thought I had it fixed! But that tire lasted about 3 months. I then found a highly recommended alignment shop and explained the problem and showed them the first ruined tire and the second one which was still on the truck.



The alignment shop said the trucks camber was in spec (barely) but that the spec is so wide it could still cause problems. Everything in the front end was tight according to them. They removed a offset cylinder thing on the right front knuckle and replaced it to change and make the camber more negative to compenstae for the tire wear. This adjustment required replacement of the offset sleeve (cylinder) which changes both the caster and the camber so it takes longer to get all the specs set. After 4 months it appears to have corrected my problem. I requested they keep the caster between +3. 5 - +4. 5 deg, as recommend on this site, to correct for "death wobble".



Here are the alignment spec's the shop took before and after the camber change:



Before:

Camber: Left= +0. 0 deg Right=+0. 2 deg

Caster: Left= +3. 5 Right=+4. 2

Toe: Left=+1/16" Right=+2/16"



After:

Camber: Left=+0. 0 deg Right= -0. 5 deg

Caster: Left= +3. 5 Right=+4. 1

Toe: Left=+0/16" Right=+0/16"



The alignment shop said since doing the adjustment at the right front knuckle affects both both camber and caster it took 1 1/2 - 2 hours to do. That was 3 months ago and the tires still show no signs of the outside edge wear I had before.



Prior to this a new BFG KO 245/75/R16-E was ruined in less than that time. I ruined almost 3 tires out of the 6 new ones I put on last July (about 30K miles ago). After this last alignment by a reputable alignment/frame specialist I took my truck back after about 6 weeks cause it appeared the left front tire was now showing outside edge wear. They checked everything again but they said everything was OK. I guess I was getting real sensitive to this issue and maybe over-reacted regarding seeing the left tire wear. I rotated the tires so many times it may have had the wear from before the fix. I'm keeping an eye on it.



I found this shop by calling a 4X4 parts/accessories shop and asking for a good alignment shop. They said they do 4X4 alignments but when I explained all the problems I'd been having, he referred me to a frame shop that they use for problem alignments like mine and all the dealers send their problem front ends to this guy also. This shop charged me $130 to fix it and said they back up their work. If anything is wrong he said bring it back and they would fix it for free.



The alignment shop said that the tire shop (a well known chain that I go to all the time for tires) did align it to specs but they just don't know how to correct it for problems. All they do is get it in spec with their fancy laser alignment machine but this guy did it the old fashion way... no fancy alignment machine can help correct a problem that is in spec. You have to know what your doing.



Thank God I found an honest, reliable alignment shop that has been in business for years and stand behind their work.



I'd call car dealers or 4x4 parts suppliers until you find where everone in your area takes problem front ends like yours and mine. I will always take this truck for an alignment to this frame shop from now on. Eventually we can get these front ends right and then they are a pleasure to drive..... I love my truck.



Good Luck,



Dave

 

[JessePayne]

Dave does your front end have a solid axle or independent suspension. I have noticed that some of the 2nd gen 3500 dually have this. I wasnt sure if it was only the 2wd models.

 

[Dave M]

Dave does your front end have a solid axle or independent suspension. I have noticed that some of the 2nd gen 3500 dually have this. I wasnt sure if it was only the 2wd models.

Mine has the solid front axle 4X4. I would image (not sure) that all 4x4's are solid front axles. Mine has coil springs with shocks going thru them and an upper and lower straight control arm on each side connected to the solid axle.



Dave

 

[lumberjack98]

alignment woes

Thanks for the update on specs and what shop did you go to as i am in need of a alignment as well. by the way i live in coarsegold. thanks Ken

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

I am no expert but a wheel can be not running true causing wobble, it should be noticed during balancing. A tire can wear funny due to the tire being built with a defect, while nothing is wrong with the vehicle.

 

[Dave M]

Thanks for the update on specs and what shop did you go to as i am in need of a alignment as well. by the way i live in coarsegold. thanks Ken

I found a great alignment shop here in Fresno. The shop is Louis Frame, Wheel and Brake- phone 559 233-8411 1574 north effie, Fresno ca 93703. I would highly recommend them. Talk to Mike. I believe he is the owner. Everyone was coming to him while I was there. They know what they are doing and guarentee what they do. I won't have anyone else touch my truck.



The alignment shop removed an offset sleeve on my steering knuckle and replaced it by choosing the proper one to get the caster my truck needed. According to the shop the sleeve also effects camber too. Thats why it takes 1-2 hours to do the alignment this way.



The eccentrics on the lower control arm are for caster but there is not much adjustment range there to work with. The knuckle sleeves are offset so you must purchase the correct offset needed for each alignment. Pull the old sleeve and replace with the new one. Fixed my problem.

 

[Dave M]

I had 2 new tires doing the wobble. Don't think it was the tires in my case.

 

[Dave M]

I am no expert but a wheel can be not running true causing wobble, it should be noticed during balancing. A tire can wear funny due to the tire being built with a defect, while nothing is wrong with the vehicle.

That may be true but I went thru 2 new tires on that right front before I got it aligned properly and it fixed my problem for sure. I don't think a tire inbalance caused my problem.