Tie rods and alignment headache...
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,007
Likes: 1
From: Newport News
Tie rods and alignment headache...
Ok guys, need some help here. My right front tire is being eaten off like mad by the pavement. Also, if the truck is off, and I move the steering wheel it moves about 3/4" either way and feels kinda loose. I just had my lift and tires put on about 5 months ago. How do tell if the tie rods are bad, or could this just be alignment only? I know just about diddly-squat about steering components. Having said that, if the tie rods are shot, is it even worth doing an alignment?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 14
From: West Cornwall, CT
Bring your truck to a decent alignment shop. They will figure out the problem and tell you what the fix is. An alignment is far less expensive than new truck tires.
Even with a 6 inch lift, with proper alignment your tires should wear evenly.
As for the steering wheel play. You will get a slight amout of movement in the rag joint in the steering shaft. 3/4 inch of play is about right. If you want to remove all play, swap out your steering shaft with a Borgenson unit.
Lou Braun
Even with a 6 inch lift, with proper alignment your tires should wear evenly.
As for the steering wheel play. You will get a slight amout of movement in the rag joint in the steering shaft. 3/4 inch of play is about right. If you want to remove all play, swap out your steering shaft with a Borgenson unit.
Lou Braun
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Dallas
I don't think that is always the case is it cwb? I know here in San Antonio we have a specialty alignment shop that speciallizes in 18 wheelers and lifted trucks and have been in the business for a loong time. I have never had a problem with their alignment of my truck, and have never taken stockers down there with me. In fact the very few one time i have taken my current truck down there (after i installed the lift) it came back perfect. Unless they have a set of stock tires out back that they use that i don't know about then i am curious here...
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Brett Foote
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Allen, Tx
Hmmm, I did the same. I took my truck to my wife's fleet maintenance shop, they do mostly semi's. (My huge 265/75R16's and all.) I guess the alignment machines for semis are actually designed to handle larger tires as opposed to light vehicle machines?
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,931
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From: Allen, Tx
Heheh!There are very few good alignment shops here. Even the dealers don't do a good job. They all seem to use the Ron Popeil formula, "set it and forget it." (Toe-in and that's it.) And it keeps my tires piping hot...
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: IN FRONT OF YOU
Originally posted by n578md
Don't they just use a chalk, a fabric measuring yardstick and a piece of string down there in San Antonio?
Don't they just use a chalk, a fabric measuring yardstick and a piece of string down there in San Antonio?
Hey thats how we do the race cars!!! and you guys think Nascar is advanced.
