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front end measurements

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Old 11-07-2010, 10:40 PM
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Default front end measurements

Im having to change all of mine tie rod ends due to one breaking or just being bad. The problem is i dont have the money for a front alignment. so i was wondering if someone would measure from the middle of the studs on the outer tie rods and tell me the measurements and then from the middle of the pitman arm stud to the point were the drag link to the other drag link. Any help would be helpful. Thanx
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Old 11-08-2010, 03:02 AM
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Your best bet would be to set the steering wheel level and eye ball it. I just went threw this last week when I replaced my ball joints and tie rod.
 
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Old 11-08-2010, 03:34 AM
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Someone else's number will only get you close.

The way to set toe with a tape measure is to use a set point on the tire tread, like a center rib (if you have one) or edge of a tread block, and measure side to side at the rear of the tires, and then the front, as close to center as possible on the horizontal plane. There should be about 1/4" less on the front (IIRC, spec is .23*+)

For example, 63-3/8" at the rear, 63-1/8" at the front would give you 1/4" positive toe.

For centering the wheel, you just drive it, park with the wheel in the position it sits going straight down the road, then turn the drag link adjustment until the wheel is straight (be sure to leave the ignition unlocked for this)
 
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Old 11-08-2010, 07:44 AM
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Old 11-10-2010, 10:15 AM
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I always counted the number of turns it took for the old ome to come out and turned the new one in the same amount. Many times it didn't require any further adjustment. Of course this was all the parts were made in the U. S. A.
 
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Old 11-10-2010, 10:51 AM
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Number of turns will get you close, or measuring before it's taken apart. Get it back close to those measurements and send it off to the alignment shop. If neither thing was done upon removal, then good luck.


Edit: If it's not right, you'll be spending money on tire's instead of the money it costs to have it aligned.
 

Last edited by zman17; 11-10-2010 at 10:53 AM.
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Old 11-11-2010, 04:17 PM
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I just dont of enough money for the alignment and i have to drive the truck for work. i put about 500 mile on it a day
 
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Old 11-11-2010, 04:33 PM
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Originally Posted by old timer
I just dont of enough money for the alignment and i have to drive the truck for work. i put about 500 mile on it a day
An alignment is 50 or 60 bucks. How much are tires? At 500 miles a day, an out of alignment condition is going to EAT your tires.
 



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