1st Gen Durango 1998 - 2003 Durango's

I'm pretty sure I need an alignment

Old Apr 27, 2010 | 12:18 AM
  #11  
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hydrashocker
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Originally Posted by compwrench
You are correct...They should have test drove it properly(not just around the parking lot) to confirm it was driving right. FYI Most cars today are built with fixed caster/camber and the only thing that is adjustable is the toe. Caster is the angle that causes pull. I always set it higher on the right to compensate for road crown. Thrust angle and rear toe is only relevant if you have independent rear suspension. If you have a regular one piece rear end it is all fixed on most. peace
You are technically incorrect as there could be a damaged piece of the rear end causing the issue. You first have the rear end in as true as you can and bring the front to match it. These vehicles have Toe, Caster/Camber, and technically trust. If all else fails revert to the Factory Service Manual.....LOL




WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION
Wheel alignment involves the correct positioning of
the wheels in relation to the vehicle. The positioning
is accomplished through suspension and steering
linkage adjustments. An alignment is considered
essential for efficient steering, good directional stability
and to minimize tire wear. The most important
measurements of an alignment are caster, camber
and toe

CAUTION: Never attempt to modify suspension or
steering components by heating or bending.

NOTE: Periodic lubrication of the front suspension/
steering system components may be required. Rubber
bushings must never be lubricated. Refer to
Lubrication And Maintenance for the recommended
maintenance schedule.


² CASTER is the forward or rearward tilt of the
steering knuckle from vertical. Tilting the top of the
knuckle forward provides negative caster. Tilting the
top of the knuckle rearward provides positive caster.
Positive caster promotes directional stability. This
angle enables the front wheels to return to a straight
ahead position after turns

² CAMBER is the inward or outward tilt of the
wheel relative to the center of the vehicle. Tilting the
top of the wheel inward provides negative camber.
Tilting the top of the wheel outward provides positive
camber. Incorrect camber will cause wear on the
inside or outside edge of the tire

² TOE is the difference between the leading inside
edges and trailing inside edges of the front tires.
Wheel toe position out of specification cause’s unstable
steering, uneven tire wear and steering wheel offcenter.
The wheel toe position is the final front
wheel alignment adjustment

² THRUST ANGLE is the angle of the rear axle
relative to the centerline of the vehicle. Incorrect
thrust angle can cause off-center steering and excessive
tire wear. This angle is not adjustable, damaged
component(s) must be replaced to correct the thrust
angle


Before starting wheel alignment, the following
inspection and necessary corrections must be completed.
Refer to Suspension and Steering System
Diagnosis Chart below for additional information.
(1) Inspect tires for size, air pressure and tread
wear.
(2) Inspect front wheel bearings for wear.
(3) Inspect front wheels for excessive radial or lateral
runout and balance.
(4) Inspect ball studs, linkage pivot points and
steering gear for looseness, roughness or binding.
(5) Inspect suspension components for wear and
noise.
(6) On 4x4 vehicles check suspension height.
(7) Road test the vehicle.
 
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Old Apr 29, 2010 | 03:09 PM
  #12  
compwrench's Avatar
compwrench
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: NC
Default You are Correct

Originally Posted by hydrashocker
You are technically incorrect as there could be a damaged piece of the rear end causing the issue. You first have the rear end in as true as you can and bring the front to match it. These vehicles have Toe, Caster/Camber, and technically trust. If all else fails revert to the Factory Service Manual.....LOL




WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION
Wheel alignment involves the correct positioning of
the wheels in relation to the vehicle. The positioning
is accomplished through suspension and steering
linkage adjustments. An alignment is considered
essential for efficient steering, good directional stability
and to minimize tire wear. The most important
measurements of an alignment are caster, camber
and toe

CAUTION: Never attempt to modify suspension or
steering components by heating or bending.

NOTE: Periodic lubrication of the front suspension/
steering system components may be required. Rubber
bushings must never be lubricated. Refer to
Lubrication And Maintenance for the recommended
maintenance schedule.


² CASTER is the forward or rearward tilt of the
steering knuckle from vertical. Tilting the top of the
knuckle forward provides negative caster. Tilting the
top of the knuckle rearward provides positive caster.
Positive caster promotes directional stability. This
angle enables the front wheels to return to a straight
ahead position after turns

² CAMBER is the inward or outward tilt of the
wheel relative to the center of the vehicle. Tilting the
top of the wheel inward provides negative camber.
Tilting the top of the wheel outward provides positive
camber. Incorrect camber will cause wear on the
inside or outside edge of the tire

² TOE is the difference between the leading inside
edges and trailing inside edges of the front tires.
Wheel toe position out of specification cause’s unstable
steering, uneven tire wear and steering wheel offcenter.
The wheel toe position is the final front
wheel alignment adjustment

² THRUST ANGLE is the angle of the rear axle
relative to the centerline of the vehicle. Incorrect
thrust angle can cause off-center steering and excessive
tire wear. This angle is not adjustable, damaged
component(s) must be replaced to correct the thrust
angle


Before starting wheel alignment, the following
inspection and necessary corrections must be completed.
Refer to Suspension and Steering System
Diagnosis Chart below for additional information.
(1) Inspect tires for size, air pressure and tread
wear.
(2) Inspect front wheel bearings for wear.
(3) Inspect front wheels for excessive radial or lateral
runout and balance.
(4) Inspect ball studs, linkage pivot points and
steering gear for looseness, roughness or binding.
(5) Inspect suspension components for wear and
noise.
(6) On 4x4 vehicles check suspension height.
(7) Road test the vehicle.
Was just trying to KISS it, TMI throws non Techs into brainlock. I have not seen a Dodge in a while. My F-150 has those stinkin fixed bolts on the upper control arm that have to be replaced with cam bolts to set caster/camber. Plus I can only type with one finger and that was long. copy/paste works too so nice find!
 
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Old Apr 29, 2010 | 05:15 PM
  #13  
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hydrashocker
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LOL....No problem!
 
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