Alignment: Shop or tape measure?

[tonkota]

For the Land Cruiser only, do you take your junk to the shop or use a tape measure? I am tempted to use the FSM and do it. I guess it can't hurt to try. The beast is pulling hard to the right and the steering wheel is cocked since the TRE replacement.

I assume there is a procedure in the FSM, I haven't looked yet.

Is this the FSM way?

 

[cody c]

i measured front side of rims and compared to back side of rims (between of course) and went about 1/16 to 1/8 difference. than adjusted the length on the drag link till the steering wheel pointed straight, drives straight as an arrow. had a mechanic friend do an alingment later and he said it was within about 1 degree of being dead on.

 

[vipergrhd]

in my opinion machine align is still better when it comes to getting it dialed in,when i replaced steering racks i will use a tape measure to get it close and drive it to the alignment rack.i can get it as closeas 1/2 an inch.the machine can also measure stuff like caster and camber which tape measure may not be able to see. john

 

[brownbear]

if it's pulling to the right something is not right.

I would start looking at it yur self. Measure toe in. Centre the steering wheel by adjusting the relay rod.

But you might have worn bearings in the pinion(pivot for steering). They are shimmed. Might have an issue there, or one tie rod is worn out.

A good look over the front end is needed.

IMOP cruisers are simplier beasts for alignment. So when it pulls something is out.

Things that come to mind are, wheel bearings, pinion bearings,. wheel air pressure, tre wear,relaya rod end wear.

On my 60 I have always been able to dial in the alignment. It wasn't hard. But if you are not comfortable search your area for a cruiser mechanic. They might be better able to dial it in.