Been doing a lot of work on the truck!

New springs installed (done)
New gearbox installed (done)
New tie rods/balljoints/ujoints installed (done)
Hillbilly temporary tape-measure alignment (done)
Obviously I need a real alignment before I wear out any components or install new tires... but...

I also have new rear leaf springs going on which I anticipate will result in about 0.5-1" of additional lift. I am waiting on a set of shorter factory blocks to arrive before install. I'm not driving the truck in the meantime but I would like to get the alignment done sooner than later as my hunting season is right around the corner.

I need an alignment for sure, that is not the question... and I probably need to re-set the length of my trac-bars after rear spring installation as well.

Question is... can I align now? Or should I wait until rear leaf springs are in? Lifting the rear would theoretically change caster in the front (minimally) and possibly thrust angle (based on the sloppy factory tolerances between rear blocks and alignment *****). Is this legitimate concern or am I worrying over nothing?

I have also read that the factory "tolerance" for alignment on these trucks is pretty sloppy. Are there specific alignment angles I should be requesting and/or lesser tolerances to maximize the even-ness of tread-wear? After previous alignments, I still had some considerable "feathering" on the inside of my tires (inside worn more than outside). That was with a pretty sloppy gearbox and questionable balljoints/tierods (some play but not so bad that it ever clunked)



Thanks

 

Depends on how much you plan on driving it in between front and rear work. Or, get it aligned now and pay for the lifetime alignment. Our local firestone does it and they will check alignment whenever. I think it was $180.

 

2wd or 4wd?

 

Personally, I'd wait and get a four-wheel alignment once your rear springs are in.

 

Looks like I wont have time to get the rear springs in before I leave... so I had it aligned by Firestone. What a bunch of ****ing goombas. I picked up the truck and the steering wheel was 15* off. Took it back... still didn't get it right.. I get home to find my adjusting sleeves LOOSE. I could turn them by hand. I tightened those up and adjusted the steering wheel myself but will take it back again Monday to be sure the toe isn't out since those dip****s don't know how a torque wrench works.

Anyway the truck rides a lot better now and no more sloppy steering!