do your own alignment (1 Viewer)

[Cruiserdrew]

Is it the same for 60s as for 62's?

Yes, and 80's and 40's as well.

 

[WSUCruiser]

What are you guys using to turn the bars. Mine are stuck. Tried a pipe wrench, but i was concerned that i'd rip off a tie-rod end.

It's soaking in PBBlaster right now. Any other clues?

-Dave-

 

[euclid]

What are you guys using to turn the bars. Mine are stuck. Tried a pipe wrench, but i was concerned that i'd rip off a tie-rod end.

It's soaking in PBBlaster right now. Any other clues?

-Dave-

Try heating them if PB doesn't work.

 

[mudpaws]

Someone mentioned earlier about raising the truck on stands: For any front end aligning, you definitely need to have the truck on the ground, "loaded" suspension---meaning truck's weight on springs/front end. HTH

 

[cody c]

did mine kinda like that, brought it to a mechanic i trust, and found it to be within less than 1 degree of where it should be.

 

[Crashly]

I like the way you did the measuring, But what about getting the front wheels in line with the rear wheels?

 

[John McVicker]

What are you guys using to turn the bars. Mine are stuck. Tried a pipe wrench, but i was concerned that i'd rip off a tie-rod end.

It's soaking in PBBlaster right now. Any other clues?

-Dave-

You can't really hurt the bar with a pipe wrench. If it's stuck use a big wrench..REALLY big if necessary.

Mine was so stuck one time, took it to a shop, put it on a lift & we both hung off the wrench & still no movement. Shop owner gave up. Took it back home & got the biggest pipe wrench I had, handle was probally 15-18 in long, got my really small $19 Harbor Freight floor jack to the handle. And it poped right loose. Once loose, then you can move the bar either way for proper adjustment. Like I said, you can't hurt that bar with a wrench.

Good write up Greg.

John

 

[Mace]

Someone mentioned earlier about raising the truck on stands: For any front end aligning, you definitely need to have the truck on the ground, "loaded" suspension---meaning truck's weight on springs/front end. HTH

With a vehicle that has IFS you are absolutely correct, but a truck with a straight axle, even on jackstands the truck has the weight on the axle. Toe in does not change with suspension travel..


I opersonally use a nail or something allong those lines kinda like Tinker does. MUCH easier than figuring out the center of your tire with some tape

 

[hks3sgte]

Anybody have a pic of exactly which bar to turn to make an adjustment? My left tire seems to have more toe out then the right one...

 

[John McVicker]

Anybody have a pic of exactly which bar to turn to make an adjustment? My left tire seems to have more toe out then the right one...

No picture, but you turn the longer of the 2 bars. The one that actually goes to the knuckles/wheels, not the one that goes to the pitman/steering.

HTH, John

 

[agent orange]

Anybody have a pic of exactly which bar to turn to make an adjustment? My left tire seems to have more toe out then the right one...

The toe will not vary between the wheels, unless something like a steering arm is bent.

 

[hks3sgte]

Nice to know... hmm...

 

[John McVicker]

Nice to know... hmm...

Reason is the TRE have opposite turning threads. One end turns L & one turns R. So when you turn the bar in or out, the ends are adjusted equal amounts.

John

 

[RredFJ40]

I like the way you did the measuring, But what about getting the front wheels in line with the rear wheels?

Well, really the front tires should not line up with the rears. The front axle is wider than the rear - that helps keep the truck tracking straight.

Granted, the front wheels should be past the rears and equal amount. But if that is your problem, you have bigger fish to fry than a toe-in adjustment. It could be a tweaked frame, bent springs or housings.

 

[RredFJ40]

Reason is the TRE have opposite turning threads. One end turns L & one turns R. So when you turn the bar in or out, the ends are adjusted equal amounts.

John

Also, the tire angle changes as you turn, it's called Ackerman angle. So if you are looking at your wheels during a turn, one will be angled differently than the other. Steering geometry is more complex than people make it out to be. That's the reason I'd gladly pay good money for a set of hi-steer arms that are well engineered.

 

[nutsaboutsoccer]

String Alignment

I've used this string alignment method on several cars with good results. Haven't tried it on a Land Cruiser. Had to shrink this scan to submit it. Sorry it's a little hard to read.

 

[ARSmay]

I did it on my HILux after installing Marlincrawlers hi-steer, doubted myself like thother poster, took it to a shop and they told me it was dead on.

I'll probably do the same thing with my FJ62.

 

[cruiserjunktion]

I personally use a nail or something along those lines kinda like Tinker does. MUCH easier than figuring out the center of your tire with some tape

I use 1 push pin per tire........


Jack up front end

Stab each tire (hub level/ center tread patch) with a push pin

measure

rotate tires 180*

measure again

adjust rod so front measurement is 1/8" less than rear measurement

Done

 

[billmc]

I use 1 push pin per tire........


Jack up front end

Stab each tire (hub level/ center tread patch) with a push pin

measure

rotate tires 180*

measure again

adjust rod so front measurement is 1/8" less than rear measurement

Done

I do it just like you , except I don't even put it up on a jack. I just roll it forward 180˙ and measure.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I've used this string alignment method on several cars with good results. Haven't tried it on a Land Cruiser. Had to shrink this scan to submit it. Sorry it's a little hard to read.

Won't work based on the fact that the front axle is wider than the rear.