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Front end alignment.....need a quick answer

Old Apr 28, 2007 | 09:42 AM
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Front end alignment.....need a quick answer

Since installing the rack, my 'Star is pulling to the left. Checked the front end, and the driver's side wheel is slightly pointing to the left when the passenger side is straight. While I'm in there doing the upper control arm bushings I would like to get the wheel alignment at least into the ballpark.

Once I loosen the jam nut, will the inner tie rod turn for the adjustment? Or do I have to take the outer rod out of the spindle and turn that?????


Thanks,
Klaus Cook
Houston, Texas
 
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 12:01 PM
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Yes, the method for setting toe is to loosen the jam nut and turn the tie rod. You can get it real close by using a tape measure and some strings with weights. You want to measure between the front and rear edges of the tire, but there is always something in the way. So you tape strings with weights to the front and rear edges, and measure the distances between where they hit the floor. You then adjust the tie rod so that both distances are equal, for zero toe. That should let you drive to the alignment shop without hurting anything.
 
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 02:07 PM
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Thanks xlt......I used the old "string" method.....run the string from the front tire around the back ones back to the front, then adjust until both the front and back of the front tires touch the string at the same time, and then give it a little toe-in. Feels a lot better than it did. First thing Monday it's going for the alignment.
 
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Old Apr 30, 2007 | 04:08 AM
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From: Kiev, Ukraine
This method was used may be before WW-II here..... No one can do it there. Many laser tools and here it is not expensive, from $10 to 20.
 
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