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I took my F-450 (25k miles) in to the local tire shop for alignment because the outside edge of the front tires were wearing too much. As suspected the toe was off a little. After the alignment, the truck drives fine (maybe a very slight left pull, but that could be the road) but the steering wheel is off center. I watched and the alignment tech did not test drive the truck. I can take it back but would rather save myself the time and miles by doing it myself.
So, the question is, can I center the steering wheel with the adjustment sleeve (photo attached) on the upper tie rod without affecting the toe setting? Looks like I can since the lower tie rod will still be locked in place; but I'm not a front end guy.
The other question is should I be concerned about the very slight pull to the left? If I let go of the wheel, it takes the truck about 5-8 seconds to start crossing the center line. I know, not very scientific, but all I got. I think it is probably ok.
The drag link off the steering box arm will be the place to get the wheel centered.
Changing the tie rod will change the toe setting.
Personally, I'd recommend taking it back to the alignment shop, they charged you to do the job and didn't do a complete job for you.
You shouldn't loosen the tab up at all. Loosen the two clamps, spray the whole assembly with silicon lube and use a big pair of channel locks to rotate the sleeve to make the adjustment. The tab keeps the clamps in place while the sleeve rotates within them.
My steering wheel is never straight centered. I took truck to the alignment shop twice and the alignment was fine both times. It's probably because of my lift. Yours might be OK too.
