how to measure if axle is centered under truck (1 Viewer)

[ShottsUZJ100]

Rick: I just did this measurement. (And I have the panhard adjusts on)

My front is 0.25" off to the passanger side.
My rear is 0.25" off to the drivers side.

Is this enough to add vibration? (Don't think so)
Should I even try bothering to get them dead center?

THANKS!

 

[thefatkid]

If you are getting rear tire wear I would be more concerned with rear toe (bent axle or control arm) the rear tires are not pointing straight forward.

offset axles should not cause a wear issue.

Get an alignment and check you rear toe and your thrust angle.

Brian

 

[concretejungle]

Thanks for the info guys. Yes, i posted a few weeks back when i rotated my tires, that the inside of both rear tires were worn noticably worse than anywhere else on the front or rear tires. Kinda puzzling. I plan on getting some very specific measurements (axle centered to frame, pinion and driveshaft angles with a protractor ect..). I will then take it and put it on an alignment rack to see what those measurements are.

Here's the skinny. I did a front axle service over a year ago (right at 120,000 miles, 176,000 now). A few months ago I opened up the front knuckles enough to recheck the preload on the lock nuts (i guess that's what you call them) with a digital fish scale and they were spot on. With the wheels on jackstands in the front they feel solid as a rock. I have never touched the rear axle. I know i need to and plan on it really soon. But, with the wheels in the air i get no play at all in the wheels indicating worn wheel bearings, the rear diff fluid is perfect with no grease and there is no leaking or seepage of grease out of the rear wheels at all. When i spin the rear wheels when they are on jack stands they turn smooth and quiet.

 

[landtank]

Rick: I just did this measurement. (And I have the panhard adjusts on)

My front is 0.25" off to the passanger side.
My rear is 0.25" off to the drivers side.

Is this enough to add vibration? (Don't think so)
Should I even try bothering to get them dead center?

THANKS!

Probably not but if it was me and the adjusters were already in place I'd have to make it right. Probably lengthen each panhard by 3/16" and you're golden.

 

[Nay]

Nay doesn't C change .. by adjustment of the panhard rod?


TY

If you can adjust the panhard...you can center the axle. C doesn't change with a stock panhard in stock mount positions (only the angle changes).

Nay

 

[Jason Andrews]

If you lift the truck on a lift where the axles are able to hang by themselves, you will see just how far you are to either side. Actually, a good way to tell is to look at the front of the front control arms (while vehicle wieght is on it) and you should see it 'lean' on the inside of the bushings towards one way or another.

Once you see it, then you can adjust panhards as needed--usually lengthening them to re-center under body.


No, if you lift it its just like putting more lift on.... shortening the panhard. The body will move sideways also. It has to be measured on the FLAT ground.

 

[OGBeno]

No, if you lift it its just like putting more lift on.... shortening the panhard. The body will move sideways also. It has to be measured on the FLAT ground.

At least to me, when I lifted the truck via frame and not the axles, the axles shifted to the USDS very hard (after installing spacers in front and rear and not having adjusted the panhards).

When we lowered it back down, I could see the front control arms twisting towards the USDS pretty hard. Loosened adjustables, pulled with tow motor to center, then tightened.

Front control arms were straightened...

Did I do this incorrectly? Thanks for your explanation.
-o-

 

[kwikrnu]

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[peepers]

I just measured the outside of thetire to the frame. Just be sure to use a similar lug on the tire. With my lift a standard tape measure passed over the tire and contacted the frame rail about mid center. Attached is a pic of the rear, the front is a little more challenging but you get the idea.

this is exactly what rick and i did on my truck and it worked great. pita to adjust but it worked great.