Do I need an alignment?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 195
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From: AK
Do I need an alignment?
Hey fellas, I just replaced the tie rod end that connects to the pitman arm because it was loose and I was having minor steering issues. I know you're 'supposed' to get an alignment after replacing any of those issues, but I measured and remeasured and counted the threads and recounted, and it's all perfect. I'd also had steering wheel wobble at 70mph before and it's smooth as butter at 80mph now. Do I need an alignment?
2000 F250
2000 F250
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
even if you put the new one on exactly the same as the old how do you know the slignment was ideal before ? if it has not been aligned since the time when that worn out part was good then odds are it is needied an alignment long ago.
I would have it aligned with the toe set to +.03* to +.06* and at least +3.5* caster
fords alignment specs are so wide it is amazing how poorly the truck can handle and still be “within spec”.
I dont align to spec I tune my alignment to achieve a desired result and make it handle like i want. its a lost art nowadays at the big franchise shops with kids doing what the computer tells them, they have no clue what or how the changes they sre making effect the handling
yes you need an alignment.....almost everybody does including brand new trucks or just live with what they give you.
I would have it aligned with the toe set to +.03* to +.06* and at least +3.5* caster
fords alignment specs are so wide it is amazing how poorly the truck can handle and still be “within spec”.
I dont align to spec I tune my alignment to achieve a desired result and make it handle like i want. its a lost art nowadays at the big franchise shops with kids doing what the computer tells them, they have no clue what or how the changes they sre making effect the handling
yes you need an alignment.....almost everybody does including brand new trucks or just live with what they give you.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 10,750
Likes: 1,065
From: Douglassville, PA
I don't know what the 'ffg' stands for but the 'fte' is the name of this website. His answer is 'no' but you need to have a minimum number of characters to post so he had to add some to it for fte to let it post.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 195
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From: AK
Thank you!! That is incredibly helpful. I'll get that done this week. I'll also bring up those specific specs. Wish I could do it myself though...
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: AK
Would have appreciated a bit more effort put into the comment haha. Much thanks to you sir!
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
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From: Northern California
you can if you have the correct tools, 600-1000 bucks would get you a DIY alignment setup and then you can tune your own as you please
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Los Angeles, Ca.
Replacing that component doesn't change your alignment, it'll only change the steering wheel position which is an easy DIY adjustment. But as already said, if the alignment wasn't known to be good then go do it.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,679
Likes: 370
From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH
Sorry Nick, as Mark said I needed a minimum amount of letters to post and No was to short and my fat fingers on my phone don't do what my head tells them to do. The answer to your question reference the part you replaced is a big fat NO. That part does not have any effect on the the alignment, it only effects the steering wheel clocking as stated. But as also mentioned if it was out before then it can't hurt unless the parts replacer (as there are not many mechanics anymore) screws it up worse than it is.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: north of Minneapolis, MN
You can't count the threads! Who says the new part is the exact same length as the old? You're really looking for the center to center distance. But yes, the part you replaced will only affect steering wheel position.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 195
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From: AK
I say. lol like I said I measured again and again. As well as counted the threads. I'm 100% sure I got it exactly the same as the old one.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: San Diego, CA
Just my .02
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