Rear Axle Alignment
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Rear Axle Alignment
I changed my rear leaf about a year ago and one day I noticed that the axle didn't seem to be in the center of the body. I took the tires off today and loosened the u-bolts and when loose became centered. When I tightened everything back up it and put weight back on it it seemed to be back to the exact same spot. About 2" off center.
Has anyone had this problem? Should I drop the truck, putting weight on it before tightening up the u-bolts?
Has anyone had this problem? Should I drop the truck, putting weight on it before tightening up the u-bolts?
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,057
Likes: 424
From: Too close to Houston
Centeref front to back or side to side? There should be a centering pin where the leaves and the axle housing come together and not a lot of room for adjustment either way. Surely not 2 inches worth.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
The centering pins are aligned.
Does anyone know if an alignment shop can check the rear axle.
I have also had some poor tire wear in the front and the truck seems to almost skate on the highway. Would shocks or spings cause this?
Ball-joints and tie rods are all good. Alignment is within spec - about a degree off in camber and 1/16" toe-in (the guy only did the front).
Does anyone know if an alignment shop can check the rear axle.
I have also had some poor tire wear in the front and the truck seems to almost skate on the highway. Would shocks or spings cause this?
Ball-joints and tie rods are all good. Alignment is within spec - about a degree off in camber and 1/16" toe-in (the guy only did the front).
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
Originally Posted by teg2_nv
Does anyone know if an alignment shop can check the rear axle.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
From: latrobe pa
Is it posible that its not the right spring , or that the spring eyes are the same and its in backwards putting the centering pin offset in the wrong direction ?
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 350z
Is it posible that its not the right spring , or that the spring eyes are the same and its in backwards putting the centering pin offset in the wrong direction ?
If the springs were installed backward wouldn't it be quite difficult to align the axle? I remember when putting them on they were a little fussy to get them to sit in the pin, but nothing to serious.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
Something is seriously wrong of your axle is 2 inches off center.
IMO - If the springs were backwards, that would move the pins forward or backwards, but the side-to-side track shouldn't move. If you didn't get the perches seated on the pins, or if the pins were somehow broke I could see this happening.
IMO - If the springs were backwards, that would move the pins forward or backwards, but the side-to-side track shouldn't move. If you didn't get the perches seated on the pins, or if the pins were somehow broke I could see this happening.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
1/2" off-center
I rechecked the offset and it is about 1/2" off center now, after I loosened the u-bolts to check to see if all alignment pins were in place. Would a 1/2" be acceptable? Could an alignment shop correct this or should I still have a body shop take a look at it?
As far as I know it has never been in an accident, but then again I bought it used.
As far as I know it has never been in an accident, but then again I bought it used.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jbontke
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Aug 8, 2015 09:06 PM
Stewart_H
Excursion - King of SUVs
0
Nov 3, 2008 07:47 PM
LCA078
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
10
Nov 1, 2007 05:15 PM
