Crab driving

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Sep 28, 2004 | 11:16 PM

eigenvector

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From: Seattle

Crab driving

I don't know how many of you have ever seen a B-52 land, the way that the landing gear rotates to keep the plane moving forward on the runway even when the big plane is moving sideways on approach. Anyway, I was behind a Ranger today. It was pretty non-descript, probably a late 80's, early 90's model. So I'm looking at it and I notice that I can see the front sidemarkers, most of the side part of the bumper, and a pretty good view of the driver's front quarter panel. Heck I could see the wheels/rims!! I'm thinking that this isn't right, I'm right behind the tailgate, moving straight, and the rear end of this truck is 6 to 12 inches to the right of the front end.

So I guess I have to ask, what in the world causes this? Was this the result of a side collision that bent the frame? just a simple alignment problem?

Sep 28, 2004 | 11:28 PM

Amtek

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From: Rancho Cucamonga, CA

I think this is called "Dog Tracking" Probably caused by a broken Centering pin in the leaf springs that let the axle slide forward or backward on the leafs.

Sep 28, 2004 | 11:39 PM

Rockledge

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From: Connecticut

I've seen similar type of "tracking" issues on vehicles with bent frames, too. But I don't recall ever seeing a Ranger like that...

Sep 29, 2004 | 06:24 AM

sorensenj

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From: Wisconsin

A vehicle in a bad accident and the frame not fixed correctly can cause dog tracking. Before you buy any vehicle, have someone ride behind you to see if the car/truck tracks properly. If it doesn't stay away!!!!

Sep 29, 2004 | 04:11 PM

racsan

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Sep 2003

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From: central ohio

i saw a chevy nova many years ago like that, it was a hatchback and the guy who drove it used it like a truck. never seen a truck do that but it's possible, bent frame or some sort of rear axle missalignment.

Sep 29, 2004 | 04:47 PM

Mike W

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From: Central Kali

I have seen it once in a 65 F-250, frame had to get straightened to fix.

Sep 29, 2004 | 06:31 PM

eigenvector

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From: Seattle

dog tracking

Now that I've come out and said it I think I've seen a dozen or so cars like that with the rear end slightly over to one side or another.

Bent frame seems like the most likely candidate for severe cases from what you guys have just said, but I thought most if not all modern cars were unibody and didn't have a "frame" in the traditional sense.