Alignment problems.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Ct
Alignment problems.
I just got off the phone with the garage. They say they can't align my truck because they need 2 more degrees and the adjustor is maxed out. He says " the spindle or the housing may be bent" Anyone got any ideas on how to figure out what is wrong. All I want is the tire to stand up a little straighter. Right now the drivers side front tire is getting chewed bad on the inside and it has a noticable lean to it. HELP!!!!
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Corona, CA
When you get it back jack up the front suspention and see if there is any extra movement. I know if you have a bad ball joint it will cause the same problem your describing.
Another possibility is if you just installed a 4" lift and did not install the alignment cam you will have this problem unless you go to a 6" spring up front.
Another possibility is if you just installed a 4" lift and did not install the alignment cam you will have this problem unless you go to a 6" spring up front.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
Are they using the correct alignment shim? There are more than one size, type, angle, whatever available as I understand it.
(Why I love my Tuff Country lift... 2.25 degrees +/- caster and camber adjustment at each axle pivot and radius arm pivot).
(Why I love my Tuff Country lift... 2.25 degrees +/- caster and camber adjustment at each axle pivot and radius arm pivot).
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 0
From: Round Rock, TX
Even though the cam sleeves come in different sizes, there is a "largest" size that you can eventually hit. You should make sure that your front end is tight--since you've got a camber problem, I'd focus on things like the axle pivot bushings (which are probably shot on your '89), worn-out coil springs, or bad ball joints.
You can sort of inspect the axle pivot bushings without dropping the traction beams. If you've got a severe problem, you should be able to see it with the beam still in place. Changing these out only takes a couple of hours if you've got the right stuff (drill, needlenose pliers, and a $12 propane torch, jack). Checking the ball joints involves getting the wheel off the ground and looking for up-and-down play in the joints.
You can sort of inspect the axle pivot bushings without dropping the traction beams. If you've got a severe problem, you should be able to see it with the beam still in place. Changing these out only takes a couple of hours if you've got the right stuff (drill, needlenose pliers, and a $12 propane torch, jack). Checking the ball joints involves getting the wheel off the ground and looking for up-and-down play in the joints.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
There are a few companies that make adjustable sleeves. One that will adjust both camber and caster. Out of the few that I've put in, Ingalls was the best quality. They cost about 40 bucks a side. I ordered mine from a local 4x4 shop. Hey, since your in there anyway, might as well replace the balljoints - and the tierods are close.....
That's the thing I hate about front end work, it's tough to just replace what's wore and I like how it steers when everything is new.
If the alignment is really, "out there," and all your parts are in good shape - your best bet might be to find an old alignment guy. Years ago they used to fix this type of stuff with hand tools. Looks easy, but it's really a lost art anymore.
That's the thing I hate about front end work, it's tough to just replace what's wore and I like how it steers when everything is new.
If the alignment is really, "out there," and all your parts are in good shape - your best bet might be to find an old alignment guy. Years ago they used to fix this type of stuff with hand tools. Looks easy, but it's really a lost art anymore.
Last edited by Howdy; Sep 30, 2003 at 11:47 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Ct
Well, after talking to the guy in person I decided he is a flaming moron. His numbers were right, but the way he explained things didn't sound right at all. Make a long story short, I went to a "Name Brand" alignment shop, showed them the printout from the moron, and told them what he said. The puzzled look on the guys face told me I was right in thinking the first guy was an idiot. They said the cam I had wasn't adjustable like the first guy said, I just needed a different one. They swapped it with the one I needed and now the tire stands tall and all measurements are well within factory spec.
Thanks for the help!!!
Thanks for the help!!!
