Alignment Q's

[ForealBoreal]

I took my truck to get an alignment done the other day.
I was told I needed:

2 new outer tie rods which are now on order
and to tighten up my front wheel bearings (I had one side loose, all repacked and tightened up now.

I am hoping he didn't get the wheel bearings confused for the kingpin or trunion bearings.
Am I still able to get a proper alignment with my trunion bearings have slight play in them?

 

[Squash]

Search Landtanks method in the 80's section.
In a nut shell raise the front end grab a tire, shake at 12 and 6 0'clock for bearings, then 3 and 9 for steering components
Next a solid bar under a tire to check trunion.

NOTE: Start with passenger side.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/137411-front-axle-evaulation-faq.html

 

[ForealBoreal]

wheel bearings are good,
Tie rods are shot and on order.

Didn't try this technique with the trunion bearings.
Are the alignment guys going to send me back to square one to if I have trunion bearing play when I bring it in for an alignment?

 

[dabasscow]

You only really have toe adjustment, with out putting offset kin pin bearings in. They will need to set the toe any way when they fit the tie rod ends.

 

[ForealBoreal]

So technically I wouldn't absolutely have to?

 

[jb BJ73]

If you have a large amount of play in the trunnion/kingpin bearings then it can throw out the toe adjustment

 

[Squash]

You can do the tie rods yourself...count the threads/paint/mark before removing old ends.

 

[dabasscow]

If there is that much play in the king pins to throw out the WA you will usually get a vibration ? death wobbles and the WA guy should have picked it up whine he told you about the wheel bearings.

Counting the threads isn't accurate, I have tried and tested it on a wheel alignment machine several time with before and after, unto 10mm out.
Basically you are setting it up to a worn previous setting doing it this way, and you are also assuming the castings are the same, different brands can use slightly different castings and I have even seen thread lengths vary.

When you are paying hundreds of dollars for tyres a $55 wheel alignment is peace of mind for me that I will get good life out of the tyres

 

[Squash]

Count threads remaining outside...
Search 80's section for diy alignment.
The FSM works as well.