i've surprisingly not had much luck searching for front-end alignment tips, as there are so many posts related to "alignment" (body, doors, hood, bed, etc. etc.)

do i simply adjust my new tie-rod so that i've got a bit of toe-in (while drag link is disconnected), center the steering wheel and then re-connect the drag link? is that it? best way to measure toe and how much is recommended? i've got the stock shims still (stock steering and axle).

thanks in advance. i'm *this* close to getting this project on the road!!!

 

Leave the drag link disconnected. Jack up the front axle just so the front wheels are a little of the ground and pointed straight ahead. Using a block of wood or similar and a screwdriver or chalk propped up on it rotate each tire making a scribe line on the tread all the way around. This will give you a line to measure from, front and back (as long as you don't wiggle while scribing.) Measure the span across the front tires vs. the span across the rear. Adjust the center link so the measurement in the front is 1/8" less than the rear. Now the toe-in is set. To center the drag link turn the steering wheel all the way to one side then turn to the other side while counting how many turns it takes to reach the opposite lock. Divide that number in half and turn the steering wheel that far from one side. Now the steering gear is centered, place a piece of tape on the steering wheel at the top to mark straight ahead. This next part is a bit of a pita but doing it as best you can will make it easier to get the steering wheel straight. First, if your drag link is adjustable you can get the steering wheel perfectly centered. If your drag link isn't adjustable you can get as close as luck will allow. Get down in front of a tire and sight along the sidewall to the rear tire. In other words look at the forward portion of the front tire's sidewall and move your head until it is -0- aligned with the rear portion of the front tire sidewall. Now look to see how much/little of the rear tire you can see. Now go to the other front tire and do the same. Nudge a front tire until those sight lines are equal. It'll take a minute or two but you can do it. O.K., now your steering gear is centered, your front wheels are centered, all you need to do is adjust your drag link to connect without disturbing anything. If your drag link isn't adjustable you should at least be pretty close. If your steering wheel is now grossly off center remove it and reinstall as close to center as possible. That will be the best you can do without an adjustable drag link. If you have an adjustable drag link take it for a short drive to see if the wheel is straight. If it is - great! If not, and your drag link is adjustable, go back to the garage and adjust it so you're moving the tires to the side the steering wheel is incorrectly pointing toward. It may take a couple times but you'll get there.

Re: adjustable drag link - it's still dark outside and I can't see my truck to see if it's adjustable or not and my feeble memory doesn't tell me anything so specific.

 

 

 

I understand your newfound concern. It's one of those, "Hmm... holy cow, there's really not that much holding this together, is there?" moments. There's really only one way to be certain - take it all apart and inspect it. For my money, I'd just install a rebuild kit and pay real close attention to whether the ball stud is in good condition. If there's any question in your mind replace it also.

 

So I guess I'll pull it apart tomorrow just to take a looksee... I'm just checking for the ball stud to be in decent condition?

Also, what about steering stops?

 

You'll be looking for anything odd, misshapen or obviously worn remembering that those little parts separate you from an early demise. Steering stops? The bolts that prevent the wheels from turning too far and causing the tires to rub on things they shouldn't? (that was a hint ;-) )

 

 

 

 

That is your steering stops

 

 

The stops are basically a really tall nut that goes on the king pin bolt. If you back them off, you'll loosen the bolt, and that's not a good thing. The first time the wheel hits the stop you'll push your king pin retainer bolt out.