Need advice on ALIGNMENT INFO....

[Iron Horse]

Here's what I've got:

I've got a 6" SUA lift with 35" tires.
I have recently replaced ball joints and adjusted my steering gear. I have checked and rechecked tierod and draglinks....all look to be in good condition.

I get a slight tendency to over correct easily at all speeds....more at slow speeds. Steering seems a little "tight", but that may because I adjusted it a bit too much.

I had an alignment done after balljoints were replaced....they were not real enthusiastic nor helpful. All they did was adj. my toe to spec. :rolleyes: They suggested that I hook my sway bar back up (I planned on it w/ new disco's) as well as both track bars. Do you think I need the track bars? I'll need new ones made if I do.

Here's the Alignment data:

LEFT FRONT:

CAMBER: -0.5..........SPEC. RNG. -0.0 to +0.5
CASTER: +3.1..........SPEC. RNG. +4.0 to +5.0
TOE: +0.12.........SPEC. RNG. +0.00 to +0.17

RIGHT FRONT:

CAMBER: -0.3..........SPEC. RNG. -0.0 to +0.5
CASTER: +3.2..........SPEC. RNG. +4.0 to +5.0
TOE: +0.16.........SPEC. RNG. +0.00 to +0.17

Obviously Caster and Camber are out of spec. How should I go about correcting these....without killing my front driveshaft angles? (which are not pretty as it is). Do I use those special threaded inserts or go with the degree shims?

Your advice is greatly appreciated,

[ October 10, 2002, 07:08 AM: Message edited by: Iron Horse ]

[Iron Horse]

btt

[Iron Horse]

Anyone?

[Frank in Norway]

Caster can be adjusted with degree shims, but it will point the axle yoke more down to get within spec. Caster can also be adjusted with offset bushings in the steering knuckle. This will not do anything to the yoke angle.The camber can only be adjusted with offset bushings, but the bad news is that if it's out of spec something is bent because it's not adjustable.

Do you experience bad road handling or fast tire wear? If you don't experience the truck as difficult to drive I wouldn't mind the small out of spec alignement problem.

[Iron Horse]

Thanks Frank. smile.gif

Truck does not drive real bad. I'm not real concerned with the camber...unless it eats my MTR's. Caster seems to be my problem. I think I'll go with the offset bushings....sounds like less problems to deal with. I have seen a link to the bushings....can you buy them anywhere?

[ October 10, 2002, 07:34 AM: Message edited by: Iron Horse ]