HI all.


On my 02/3.9 109" van, I had 235/75/15XLs on it and they were nice. What was interesting that after wearing about 1/3 the way they wore fast. I did keep them inflated and rotated. I got exactly 30k miles out of that set. (edit: I do still have 5/32s or so on them so I probably would have gotten 35-40k)


So I decided to get new tires. I want 16s someday, but not today So I am trying a Load C LT235 tire all-terrain. I can tell it is a stiffer tire...well it is new. Also it doesn't seem like there is a lot of difference between XL and load C. But, I like having 15/32nds now. It rides great. I have Milestar Patagonias as rubber now.


So, what I am wondering, is I was reading the alignment section of the shop manual and it states there is a special tool for the job. It is a bracket that goes on the inside of the frame rail and pushes on the upper control arm as you adjust the bolts. Do most shops have this tool???

 

its probably a dealer only tool.


I have not aligned one of these vans but from the service information I have:


the upper control arms have slots to allow movement. All modern alignment machines will allow adjustment in a jacked-up position. This would allow the tech to move the upper control arm will no weight on the front suspension...so you could loosen the bolts, move the c/a to where its needed, lower and perform caster re-sweep to verify the proper placement.


So IMO, the tool is probably handy but not needed to make the adjustments.

 

I would phone in or drive by to check into it before booking an appointment. I went to a place here and they did not but at least they were honest. My front drivers wheel leans in a lot but they said they could only adjust the toe where I'm at... I calculated that my van is probably 350-400 lbs heavier on the drivers side due to the propane tank, 3 batteries, exhaust, and kitchen all being on the one side.
Steve