I just recently had a thread for "Shims Found", under my 45 front end spring pack mount, (thanks guys for the input on that) so while I was down in the area I tough I would check the caster angle on this old rig. Now I found this Caster Measurement process on an old thread from 8-22-08 from dgangle, so I am giving it a try. BTW the truck is going in for alignment (toe-in/out) soon so this measurement is for just in-case I do need shims to correct any neg findings before taking it in.
I used a propeller protractor as they are pretty close in being right on. I used the top angled (sloped area) of the front diff and then used the flange of the DS as the DS was removed for RR work.
1. I set the protractor on floor/ground surface to compensate for any floor/ground angles, then set the protractor.
2. Checked angle from D/S flange
As seen in the photo's the reading is right at 4.5 degrees.
3. a slope (angle) check on top of the diff shows 27.0 degrees for a slope.
Information on front end:
New front Shocks
New wheel bearings
New Knuckle bearings and seals (same knuckle bearing shims thickness used)
New Polly spring bushings
Front stock Springs re arched 2" (were sagging)
Stock shackles
Set center steering to specs.
New tie rod ends, adjusted measurements to factory specs.
Drag link adjusted
Tire size -Radial LT 265/75 R 16 123/120S
While Driving:
1-2" steering wheel movement (play)
In a turn the wheels will not self center 100% (check center steering-good)
And a small amount of road wondering, no real rut pulls.
Would this be considered to be a good caster check with the correct items adjusted or replaced?
Do I need to check something that I may of over looked?
Do I need to shim?
Relies are most welcome.
Thanks
I used a propeller protractor as they are pretty close in being right on. I used the top angled (sloped area) of the front diff and then used the flange of the DS as the DS was removed for RR work.
1. I set the protractor on floor/ground surface to compensate for any floor/ground angles, then set the protractor.
2. Checked angle from D/S flange
As seen in the photo's the reading is right at 4.5 degrees.
3. a slope (angle) check on top of the diff shows 27.0 degrees for a slope.
Information on front end:
New front Shocks
New wheel bearings
New Knuckle bearings and seals (same knuckle bearing shims thickness used)
New Polly spring bushings
Front stock Springs re arched 2" (were sagging)
Stock shackles
Set center steering to specs.
New tie rod ends, adjusted measurements to factory specs.
Drag link adjusted
Tire size -Radial LT 265/75 R 16 123/120S
While Driving:
1-2" steering wheel movement (play)
In a turn the wheels will not self center 100% (check center steering-good)
And a small amount of road wondering, no real rut pulls.
Would this be considered to be a good caster check with the correct items adjusted or replaced?
Do I need to check something that I may of over looked?
Do I need to shim?
Relies are most welcome.
Thanks
