RTH- Trying to get my truck aligned (1 Viewer)

[toddsmith1]

Ok, So I put a 3" Dobinsons lift on my truck.(It had a 2" before, looking for more articulation with Flexi colis) The truck drove great and tracked well on the road without any adjustments but I still wanted to get a professional alignment. The only issue was the steering wheel was 90 degrees off to the right. Took the truck to an alignment specialist who is supposed to know how to align lifted trucks. So I picked the truck up Tuesday and discovered very quickly that my steering is way off. They truck had very little turning radias to the right. I almost had a wreak pulling out of a parking lot and of course took the Truck back to the shop. Supposedly they worked on it ALL afternoon yesterday and still have not been able to figure out how to correct the problem. So the guestion is, would it be best just to adjust the steering linkage back the original position and just adjust by taking the steering wheel off and moving 90 degrees to recenter? Other suggestions are appreciated.

 

[voodu3]

Did they give you a print out of the alignment specs? If everything is in spec I’d just straighten out the steering wheel.

 

[Docwoody]

Ok, So I put a 3" Dobinsons lift on my truck.(It had a 2" before, looking for more articulation with Flexi colis) The truck drove great and tracked well on the road without any adjustments but I still wanted to get a professional alignment. The only issue was the steering wheel was 90 degrees off to the right. Took the truck to an alignment specialist who is supposed to know how to align lifted trucks. So I picked the truck up Tuesday and discovered very quickly that my steering is way off. They truck had very little turning radias to the right. I almost had a wreak pulling out of a parking lot and of course took the Truck back to the shop. Supposedly they worked on it ALL afternoon yesterday and still have not been able to figure out how to correct the problem. So the guestion is, would it be best just to adjust the steering linkage back the original position and just adjust by taking the steering wheel off and moving 90 degrees to recenter? Other suggestions are appreciated.

Do not take the steering wheel off to correct this problem. What you need to do is adjust the relay rod. The relay rod is the rod that is connected to the pitman arm and goes to the passenger side knuckle (in front of the tire). Loosen the two clamps and turn the relay rod ( IIRC if looking at it from the front of the vehicle spin it toward you) You may need to spray the threads with your choice of penetrating oil. Use a pipe bar wrench to turn if unable to do it by hand. This will bring your steering wheel back to center. Leave the clamps loose and drive on a straight road. Adjust as necessary until the steering wheel is centered. This may take several attempts to get it where you want it. After, tighten the clamps.

Why you can’t turn fully in one direction is caused by the bolts on one of the sides hitting the stopper reducing your turn radius.

 

[BILT4ME]

Odds are not turning all the way one direction is the tie rod clamps are hitting the lower control arm and binding.

This shop is a bunch of idiots.

Step 1: center the steering gear
Step 2: adjust toe
Step 3: adjust drag link (relay rod) to center steering wheel
Step 4: check movement in all directions
Step 5: provide customer with complete printout of all alignment specs before and after.
Step 6: well, y'all know what step 6 is.

 

[toddsmith1]

I just spoke to the "mechanic" who happened to be out sick when my alignment was done. Ok if their only "mechanic" was not there who the hell did the alignment? He has no idea how to fix the problem, so I am going to pick it up and fix it myslef.

 

[toddsmith1]

Thanks to those who replied. It is VERY much appreciated!

 

[matzell]

Todd,

Jack the front end up and put axle on jack stands. Unlock steering wheel and turn all the way left and right, see where it is stopping and why. Did they take the pitman arm off and re-install off center? DO NOT DRIVE WITH CLAMPS LOOSE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, YOU CAN PULL A TIE ROD OUT. You can go back and forth in your drive way to see if it is straight with clamps loose. You do not want to damage threads.

 

[leonard_nemoy]

This kind of thing is unacceptable. Go wreck the vehicle than tell the insurance it happened because of a poor alignment. Than you can sue this ridiculous alignment shop.

Alright, don't really wreck it, I am just trying to prove a point.

But highly consider towing it to another shop, getting it done right, and then submitting the new alignment bill and tow bill to the original shop.

 

[jonheld]

Threads like this make me sad for humanity.

There are only 2 adjustments for an 80 Series possible without disassembling other parts.
Toe in/out (length of tie rod behind axle) and steering wheel center (length of drag link). That's all you get.

When you lift the front, the steering wheel will rotate because the drag link is now too short because the distance from the pitman arm to the axle has increased. Lengthen the drag link to center the steering wheel.

Steering wheel center should have no effect on vehicle handling as it doesn't come into play with anything else other than turn signal returns. It just feels wrong and is easily corrected.

 

[jemsec]

Sorry to tell you but the best place in Birmingham, AL is "A+ Tire and Auto in Trussville, Erik is the owner and a true expert , along with his guys, in my opinion. Would drive 100 miles to get him to align mine.