Front End Alignment
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: East Tennessee
Front End Alignment
I have a 1986 F-150 4x4 with the Dana 44 twin traction beam front axle. I need a front end alignment.
I figured it was a common thing on these vehicles, and nearly anywhere would have been able to do it.
I brought it to a Co-op where I usually get tire work and alignments done. I think they have always done a good job, minus the fact that they are bad with appointments.
Well, today after waiting 30 minutes longer than my appointment, they finally get my truck in. I'm quickly told they can't do alignments on old trucks like mine, something to do with it having king pins and they do ball joints.
I told them several times that I had an 86 F-150. But, like I said, they do good work, but the people I call and make appointments with don't know much about vehicles.
So, I guess I wasted a trip? Should anywhere be able to do this? Anyone have any info on why they couldn't do it? This place does them for $35, and another place I know does them for $55. I didn't want to have to pay $55 for a front end alignment.
I figured it was a common thing on these vehicles, and nearly anywhere would have been able to do it.
I brought it to a Co-op where I usually get tire work and alignments done. I think they have always done a good job, minus the fact that they are bad with appointments.
Well, today after waiting 30 minutes longer than my appointment, they finally get my truck in. I'm quickly told they can't do alignments on old trucks like mine, something to do with it having king pins and they do ball joints.
I told them several times that I had an 86 F-150. But, like I said, they do good work, but the people I call and make appointments with don't know much about vehicles.
So, I guess I wasted a trip? Should anywhere be able to do this? Anyone have any info on why they couldn't do it? This place does them for $35, and another place I know does them for $55. I didn't want to have to pay $55 for a front end alignment.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
repair places don't have the equipment or expertise to deal with oversized
(in their view) suspensions as those on trucks, and the dual I-beam & kingpin
stuff creates additional complication (where & how to place shims, for
example).
When I have my truck done, I'm gonna take it to a local place with a good
reputation for working on trucks of all sizes (Bear Frame & Axle in the
Denver Metro area) but I expect it to cost around $100.
IMHO that would be a GREAT price for quality, competent work! I consider it
an inherent cost of owning a truck....
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: East Tennessee
THANK YOU for clearing this up. Looks like I'll have to be calling around and making sure they know what's under my truck before they set me up with an appointment that they can't fulfill.
Should I try a Ford dealership? I don't know many places around here that would be considered a quality place.
BTW, did any of these trucks come with ball joints? They didn't even look under it to see. I'm really unfamiliar when it comes to suspension parts. I can take a pic unless all of these definitely came with kingpins.
Should I try a Ford dealership? I don't know many places around here that would be considered a quality place.
BTW, did any of these trucks come with ball joints? They didn't even look under it to see. I'm really unfamiliar when it comes to suspension parts. I can take a pic unless all of these definitely came with kingpins.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
where king pins are/were installed instead.
It could be that place just didn't want to deal with it, maybe they're afraid of
your returning as an unhappy customer.
A Ford dealership would probably be able to help you but I for some reason
would expect it to cost a buttload. You might ask some guys working at auto
parts stores (or at full-service gas stations) in your area if they can
recommend good, local places. Have you looked through the ads in the
Yellow Pages?
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: East Tennessee
And yeah, I think a Ford dealership would cost me out the wazoo. The place I was at mentioned a place called Dick's B Line or something. Don't know where it's at (but I got a GPS thing and Google, lol). But, I may have to end up calling them.
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Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Those look like ball joints to me, here is what king pins look like:
BTW you might also ask in your local FTE chapter (apparently, TN for you).
BTW you might also ask in your local FTE chapter (apparently, TN for you).
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
They shouldnt have had to look, Most of the mechanics I've worked with over the years know little about fea's, On your truck if the caster or camber needs to be adjusted you have to remove the bushing from above the upper ball joint and calculate which one you need to get the angles right. I have replaced countless ball joints in these ft ends and worked with a LOT of people that would not notice the play in them. If you replace the camber bushings with bad BJ's, then when you do replace them again when you replace the BJ's.The camber will be too far pos and require camber bushing replacement again. Expect to pay +/- $100 per side for caster/camber adjustment in adition to the FEA charge
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: East Tennessee
But tell me, do I not have the ability to get a normal FEA?
How often am I going to have to do this? I've always heard people saying the TTB's get out of alignment every 10k-15k miles... I'll sell my truck if I'm going to have to be replacing worn parts every 15k miles. Hopefully you didn't mean it will be like that.
How often am I going to have to do this? I've always heard people saying the TTB's get out of alignment every 10k-15k miles... I'll sell my truck if I'm going to have to be replacing worn parts every 15k miles. Hopefully you didn't mean it will be like that.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
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From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
If you buy the cheaper ball joints out there (moog has always been good) ,are hard on your trucks, and replace them at the first sign of wear, I could see 15-20k miles. You can get a "normal" FEA. Standard 2 wheel alignment charge should include checking the alignment, calling you and trying to sell you camber bushings if needed, and setting the toe in. You should get the toe set even if you decline the camber adjustment. Why do you think you need an alignment?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
You definitely need an alignment. It sounds like your toe-in is off. It's very common on the TTB axle. You should have it aligned every 15k miles or so, but you won't need to replace parts very often. The ball joints, tie rod ends and other parts should last a good 100-200k miles.
Find another alignment shop. Any place that thinks your truck has kingpins doesn't know dick about trucks and I sure wouldn't let them align mine.
I take mine to firestone. I bought a lifetime alignment and I can take it back as many times as I want and get it aligned for free.
Find another alignment shop. Any place that thinks your truck has kingpins doesn't know dick about trucks and I sure wouldn't let them align mine.
I take mine to firestone. I bought a lifetime alignment and I can take it back as many times as I want and get it aligned for free.