On the ground.

Make sure if you turn one in 2 turns, you turn the other out the same 2 turns

 

Would the adjustments be the actual bars that have clamps (right and left bars both have clamps near outer ends)?


Process:
1. I loosen clamp on right side (passenger side) and turn bar so it loosens (extends) one full turn (start with one turn and go from there)?


2. I loosen clamp on left (driver's side) and turn bar so it tightens (shortens) same amount of turns as performed on right side?


NOTES/Questions:


a) I would assume the bar would have to be grabbed
with a pair of large channel locks or pipe wrench in order to turn?


b) This can all be done with truck on ground (front end not lifted)?


Thanks!

 

Your process sounds correct. If there is a lot of crud adjacent to the sleeves you can clean the threads with a wire brush. You can also use some penetrant on the threads. You can do it with the truck on the ground. Just be sure to turn the same amount on both sleeves so you will preserve the toe-in setting. There is a specialized tool made to turn the sleeves, but you don't need it. You can use a big channel pliers or a pipe wrench. There may be a bit of trial & error in the process. Make a setting, tighten the sleeve bolts & drive the truck. Then you will be able to see the results of your change. If the wheel is still not "straight" go back and make another adjustment. At that point you will know about how many turns & which direction is needed.

 

I'd try about a half a turn. Keep in mind the right outer tie rod has right hand threads and the left outer has left hand threads. It's easy to get confused and turn one the wrong way.

 

If understand correctly......


I would them turn both sides counter-clockwise....


on right side with right hand threads......counter-clockwise would loosen tie rod (extend it)


on left side with left hand threads.....counter-clockwise would tighten tie rod (shorten it)



Am I understanding correctly?

 

As long as you lengthen one and shorten the other an equal amount you will not change the toe-in setting. If the alignment shop got it set correctly to begin with it will still be correct after you make your adjustment to "center" the steering wheel. Your proposed change sounds correct to me. Just go slowly and carefully so you keep your orientation correct. After you do it some it will become more understandable and easier. If you get to like it there are tools available that will allow you to set (or check) the toe-in yourself at home.

 

Success! Lengthened pass side and shortened driver side by 1/2 turn each side. Perfect first time!

Thanks for the advice!

 

Awesome! Glad to see you got it resolved.