Hey everyone, here's my dilemma.

Put new outer tie rods in today. And I did my very best to count turns. Well on the driver side I was having a hard time getting the old one out. I think I was turning it the wrong way and still counting the turns. Cause when I got it out I put the new one in and when I got in the truck the wheel was off. Not by much. Less than a 1/4 then but enough to be noticed.

I did this job while I'm waiting for my tool to tear the hubs apart to replace my u joints in the front end. And one upper ball joint that got the geese zerk knocked out cause of the loose u joint. I don't want to pay to get it aligned for the tie rods then pay to get it aligned again when I'm done. (I was going to get an alignment when I was done with everything.

So my question is, is there an easy way I can get the tie rod back to where it's spose to be with out a fancy machine? I really dont want to mess up the tires (they are practically brand new BFG's) Idon't even know how to adjust them without taking the tie rod out of socket. I feel real stupid. This was spose to be a quick easy job that has turned into a nightmare. Oh well I'm learning I guess.

 

Get a tape measure and pick somewhere onthe tread to measure from and to on the front tires...measure tire to tire in front and rear of the front axle.compare your numbers.now make the front number 1/16 less than the rear of the front tires measurement.that will not wear tires until you finish your work.just holler if I didn't explain well enough.

 

It's hard to align the front end yourself. You can get it close maybe. And this is just me, but if I had it torn all the way down and replacing the axle joints, I'd replace all the ball joints, or at least the upper and lower on the side with the bad one. That's just my opinion though.

 

Believe it or not my truck is aligned with kite string...jack stands and a level...but it don't wear tires?!?!no I didn't do it.my buddy did before I bought it.heck the stuff he needs to do won't effect alignment any way.just do it now then do the work.the axle joints and just an upper.heck do all won't change much.just dont remove.or mark well the camber slugs for reinstall.

 

Yeah I was thinking about just doing all of them, they have been done within the last couple of years. But I would like to know they are all in tip top condition. I guess I'm a little over board, but I keep thinking about all I've heard about the 50TTB, and I just would rather it all be done right. I've been trying to educate myself on how to do it all. I have the press for the ball joints, just need the special socket to get the hubs apart. Which is on order with the tool guy.

And I think I understand what your saying about the measuring fordman, gonna give it a try then get it all aligned when I'm done. Then I'll feel better I think. Haha

 

Ok heres what I got:

Front 68 1/4 (taken from middle of tire to middle of tire)
Rear 67 (taken from middle of tire to middle of tire)

I know its the drivers side that is off more, so I will turn it in and see what I get. I also might remeasure from outer edge of tire to outer edge of tire (seem like it would be more accurate to me but maybe thats a farce)

Ill keep you posted!

 

Yeah, your front needs to be toed in about 3/4" more than it is.

I have used the kite string method and have had good results with it. I think this would get you more than close enough to drive the truck for a while. For a full alignment though or for long term use (especially on a D50) I would take it in and get it done on a rack.

 

Ok sounds good! Gonna give it a go.

And Yep defiantly going to get it on a rack when everything is done. Ordered the rest of the ball joints today. I'm just going to do it all for peace of mind. It's money well spent in my opinion. Especially when your talking 1000 or more for a set of tires.

 

Well I got it up on the hoist, re-measured everything, and calculated the measurements.

Took it for a spin, and the wheel is back on center! Might be off just a small touch, (and I might be just being a little particular as the steering does have some play in it, and its hard to find a level street around here) but I wouldn't think it would be enough to do any damage, Like I said I'm going to get it aligned for real when I finish the front end work, but at least this way I can drive the truck.

Thank you all so much for your help!

 

I'm glad to hear you got it all "straightened out"!

 

Good deal! Its no fun not being able to drive the obs

 

This is very true, cause I enjoy driving it very much!