71tanker Posted March 8, 2007 Share Posted March 8, 2007 I just replaced the tie rod ends on my 71 r model and now th efront end alignment has me pullin my hair out, does anyone have a methods, or tips for me anything will help , thanks Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/2245-front-end-alignment-tips/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted March 8, 2007 Share Posted March 8, 2007 I just replaced the tie rod ends on my 71 r model and now th efront end alignment has me pullin my hair out, does anyone have a methods, or tips for me anything will help , thanksJack each front tire off of the ground and hold a piece of chalk at the centerline of the tire tread while a friend spins the tire to make a line perfectly centered. Now that both tires have these lines, measure the distance from one line to the other (both front and back). Compare the measurements and set the front measurement 1/8" closer than the rear. This will be 1/8" toe in and should get you closer to needed specs. Without bending or shimming the axle, this is about all you can do but it should suffice. Before you adjust the tie rod ends for your toe setting, make sure the steering wheel is centered where you want it.Rob Quote Plodding along with no job nor practical application for my existence, but still trying to fix what's broke. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/2245-front-end-alignment-tips/#findComment-11019 Share on other sites More sharing options...
71tanker Posted March 9, 2007 Author Share Posted March 9, 2007 got ti all buttoned down tonite, thanks for the help Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/2245-front-end-alignment-tips/#findComment-11045 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Packer Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 I always used the wheel (Budd) and set the toe-in at 1/16 inch. about the same distance as Rob's way. Used to have a long rod with an adjustable end. Set it on the front of the wheel and then the back and eyeball it in. Being lazy, I only had to jack up one wheel!!!Packer Quote Keep a clutchin' Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/2245-front-end-alignment-tips/#findComment-11068 Share on other sites More sharing options...
fullfuel01 Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 must jack both of 'em to make sure there is no 'pressure' on the wheel. when the truck will move all your mesurment will get bad... i use masking tape to do it. you just make the wheel turn and put masking tape around it and after that you make the same thing with a pen, smaller line for more precision.. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/2245-front-end-alignment-tips/#findComment-11069 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackmixer Posted March 10, 2007 Share Posted March 10, 2007 Should really measure toe in from the horizontal centerline of the wheels front and back (same height as the axle shaft) for the proper tow in of 1/8" or 1/16". And the wheels should be back on the ground loaded with the normal front end weight so any kingpin or other looseness is taken into consideration. I made a gauge using a piece of 1/2" conduit with some vertical flat bar on each end that can be moved/adjusted on the conduit that I have used for years.David Quote David Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/2245-front-end-alignment-tips/#findComment-11076 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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