toe in and toe out

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May 25, 2010 | 10:43 PM

a ayala

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toe in and toe out

how do i adjust the sleeves so my tires will be straight??? 1991 ford f250 4x4 dana 50 ttb

May 26, 2010 | 08:56 AM

jas88

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From: Greater Austin, Texas

I assume you are talking about the sleeves that hold the tie rode ends together? You must loosen the clamps and then just turn them (you may have to use a pair of channel locks or a pipe wrench is better) one way or the other. This will make the tie rod assy. longer or shorter. Be sure to turn the same amount on each side so your steering wheel will stay centered. Use a tape measure to measure the distance between the tires on the front and back of the front tires and set to 1/4" toed in (so 1/4" less distance on the front of the front tires than on the back of the front tires). Be sure to press outward on the front tires as hard as you can to simulate the pressure of going down the road before you measure.

May 26, 2010 | 09:28 AM

lew52

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Center the steering wheel the adjust the tie rod ends to set the tow to spec , this should be done on an aglinement rack ....Lew

May 26, 2010 | 09:34 AM

jas88

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From: Greater Austin, Texas

Quote:

this should be done on an aglinement rack

I don't agree with this, I have been setting my toe with a tape measure since I was in high school, and have never had a tire wear problem. Old timers were using a tape measure for toe before there were alignment racks, and even the early racks (such as the Hunter Light-A-Liner) didn't set the toe, only the caster/camber, the toe was left to the tape measure. There was even a tire scoring tool to make a mark in the middle of the tire all the way around for this purpose (and I have been looking for one of those on eBay for years with no luck). So there is your alignment history lesson. :-)

May 26, 2010 | 09:49 AM

littlehusky

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you can get it damn close with a tape measure
i replaced balljoints and tie rod ends in my driveway, did eveything with a tape measure. I took it to the alignment shop and everything was within spec.
However i would still get it checked at the shop.

May 26, 2010 | 09:56 AM

lew52

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Thats fine , you can do it that way if you wan't . I like to use the alglinement rack because its more acurate & you can check your caster & camber to , my son doe's this for a living so i have the use of the rack anytime i want....Lew

May 26, 2010 | 10:12 AM

jas88

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Joined: Feb 2002

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From: Greater Austin, Texas

It helps a lot if you have an alignment man you can trust. Those are harder and harder to find for Ford Twin-I-Beam trucks. Personally I only trust me with this but Lew you have a connection in the family, most of us don't have that.

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May 27, 2010 | 05:15 AM

ac700wildcat

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An alignment is $60, actually I just paid $59.95 at my local Ford dealership. I'd rather have the peace of mind, knowing it was done the right way instead of trying to do it in my driveway. They will also adjust the caster and camber while its there if need be.