Heat & Beat Alignment?
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Heat & Beat Alignment?
Hi all,
I'm one of the new guys today with a first post for some help. Got an '83 F100 Pickup with an inline six, all stock. I went to a front end shop to correct a slight pull to the right and the old timer said the caster can't be adjusted.
I believed him but got a 2nd opinion and was told shops used to heat up the fixed pieces and beat them into alignment......but not anymore.
So do I live with the pull or keep chasing my tail for an answer?
Thanks. Dave
I'm one of the new guys today with a first post for some help. Got an '83 F100 Pickup with an inline six, all stock. I went to a front end shop to correct a slight pull to the right and the old timer said the caster can't be adjusted.
I believed him but got a 2nd opinion and was told shops used to heat up the fixed pieces and beat them into alignment......but not anymore.
So do I live with the pull or keep chasing my tail for an answer?
Thanks. Dave
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,711
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From: Pittsburgh
The forged I-beams can be heated and bent, but now there are better ways of dealing with it.
You can buy a set of radius arm bushings that allow the caster to be changed.
However, the first thing i'd do is stand back and look at the nose of my truck. does it lean to one side or the other? If so (it probably does and leans towards the passengers side) replace the coil springs.
the sagging springs can cause the body to lean and all of this effects the alignment and tracking. No sense it treating the symptoms and leaving the problem alone.
Justin
You can buy a set of radius arm bushings that allow the caster to be changed.
However, the first thing i'd do is stand back and look at the nose of my truck. does it lean to one side or the other? If so (it probably does and leans towards the passengers side) replace the coil springs.
the sagging springs can cause the body to lean and all of this effects the alignment and tracking. No sense it treating the symptoms and leaving the problem alone.
Justin
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Thanks for your response Justin.
I've heard of radius arm bushings. I'll try the local auto stores here in Mass or maybe a dealer. Are they easy enough for a guy with tools to install?
I'll also check how / if the truck leans to the right and take a look at the coil springs too. Thanks again, Dave
I've heard of radius arm bushings. I'll try the local auto stores here in Mass or maybe a dealer. Are they easy enough for a guy with tools to install?
I'll also check how / if the truck leans to the right and take a look at the coil springs too. Thanks again, Dave
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Niceville, FL.
Search this forum for "Radius Arm Bushings". There should be several good ones telling how to change them without having to grind, burn or drill the rivets holding the brackets to the frame. Also check/replace the pivot bushings.
The alignment shop that I use told me that they have never had to bend components to meet factory specs on these trucks so long as they haven't been wrecked, lifted, fitted with oversize tires or otherwise modified.
Sagging springs also upset alignment.
The alignment shop that I use told me that they have never had to bend components to meet factory specs on these trucks so long as they haven't been wrecked, lifted, fitted with oversize tires or otherwise modified.
Sagging springs also upset alignment.
Last edited by Piffery1; Nov 1, 2007 at 01:03 AM.
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Originally Posted by Piffery1
Search this forum for "Radius Arm Bushings". There should be several good ones telling how to change them without having to grind, burn or drill the rivets holding the brackets to the frame. Also check/replace the pivot bushings.
The alignment shop that I use told me that they have never had to bend components to meet factory specs on these trucks so long as they haven't been wrecked, lifted, fitted with oversize tires or otherwise modified.
Sagging springs also upset alignment.
The alignment shop that I use told me that they have never had to bend components to meet factory specs on these trucks so long as they haven't been wrecked, lifted, fitted with oversize tires or otherwise modified.
Sagging springs also upset alignment.
Dave
