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I noticed some uneven wear on the front tires consistent with too much toe in so I tried to do a DIY alignment using the string method. The old swing arm bushings were shot so I knew I would have to change those before I attempted and alignment.
The bushings were surprisingly easy to change. Everything went back together without any read difficulty.
On to the alignment: with the strings up and measuring at the rear edge of the front rim and comparing that to the front edge I measured a difference of 1/8". I reduced that to 1/32" on the advice of several sources and the truck drives pretty much exactly like it did before the alignment so that seems to have been a wash. I was also unable to align the steering wheel, so I'm kind of bummed about that.
After all the cursing and busted knuckles I'm ready to say 'screw it' and take it to a shop. I got the bushings in and that was my main concern.
Hio, should you tie off the steering wheel so it's straight? Also do you have a picture of the rod fastened in position? Square rod I assume. Having a hard time visualizing it.
Hio, should you tie off the steering wheel so it's straight? Also do you have a picture of the rod fastened in position? Square rod I assume. Having a hard time visualizing it.
I backed up my truck and then drive it straight for about 10 feet... then I jacked it straight up. After finishing the DIY alignment, I unbolted and centered the steering wheel.
Yes, square is best. I used some aluminum shelf standards I had laying around... it was stiff, straight, and lightweight. I spanned them horizontally across a couple of the wheel studs and secured them with lug nuts
Again, think of "toe plates" and follow the same methodology.
We used to do the alignment (AKA set the toe) then pull the steering wheel and put it back on in the straight ahead position. If I remember correctly there is only 1 adjusting sleeve, not like cars where you could clamp the steering wheel and adjust the toe using the 2 adjusting sleeves.
We used to do the alignment (AKA set the toe) then pull the steering wheel and put it back on in the straight ahead position. If I remember correctly there is only 1 adjusting sleeve, not like cars where you could clamp the steering wheel and adjust the toe using the 2 adjusting sleeves.
Your memory is correct... the sleeve is on the passenger side tie rod.
Tidbit.. I swapped to 78 discs and picked up new 78 tie rods by Moog. It's good stuff but I ran out of adjustment and was still toed out... I had to excise about one-half inch from one of them... driver-side inner if I recall correctly.
Don't give up... the string method has too much tolerance....I posted this a few days ago:
Just finished using the method you posted and I got good results. Truck doesn't pull to either side, steering feels much better and the steering wheel is aligned. Boom!
When I got the bars on the drums and took the measurements I had 1/8" toe-out, so that explains why the steering felt a little weird.
Anyway, thanks for the advise. Now it's time for a beer.
Just finished using the method you posted and I got good results. Truck doesn't pull to either side, steering feels much better and the steering wheel is aligned. Boom!
When I got the bars on the drums and took the measurements I had 1/8" toe-out, so that explains why the steering felt a little weird.
Anyway, thanks for the advise. Now it's time for a beer.
Sa-weet.
The 1/8-inch of toe-in is supposed to allow the wheels/tires to splay and accommodate road crown... at least that is the theory.
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