rear axle alignment

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Oct 31, 2010 | 12:35 PM

low 66

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rear axle alignment

Ok I think my rear axle is out of alignment how do I tell if it is and how do I correct it is their a way to measure to tell if it out of wack

Oct 31, 2010 | 02:33 PM

Bill W

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From: Tucson

If you rear leaf spring bushings are shot it most likely is out of wack, a 4 wheel alignment will tell the tail. most shops offer a 4 wheel alignment service.

Oct 31, 2010 | 03:14 PM

NumberDummy

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From: Simi Valley, CA

If a rear spring leaf breaks, this causes the rear axle to shift over to one side. Dog tracking = what happens when the rear axle shifts over.

Have someone drive your truck, you follow several car lengths behind. If the axle has shifted over, you will see all four tires (dog tracking), not just the rears.

Oct 31, 2010 | 05:09 PM

low 66

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The spring bushing are ok and springs are not broke but I did take a few more measurements and I believe who owned the truck before me didn't put the cab on exactly square so it was throwing my measurements out I checked it from some rivets that where placed equal on both sides and it measured out good

Oct 31, 2010 | 06:31 PM

CropDusterMan

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Joined: May 2010

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From: Valley Center, CA

On the leafs, there are two bumps on the underside of the spring that match into the
mounts on the differential (I'm assuming its a Dana 60)...perhaps they are not aligned in the holes...?...
I doubt it could even go together though...

Oct 31, 2010 | 06:40 PM

low 66

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Thanks crop duster man the springs and rear are original so I believe that can't be it

Oct 31, 2010 | 07:03 PM

NumberDummy

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From: Simi Valley, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by low 66

Thanks crop duster man the springs and rear are original so I believe that can't be it

How do you know? How long have you owned the truck? How long has this problem been occuring?

These trucks are over 40 years old and have had multiple owners (with a very few exceptions).

So, at some point in its life, it could have been in an accident, the frame coulda been bent. It was never fixed or parts were installed that could be incorrect, or were installed improperly.