Alignment issues

[parad1mg]

Anybody here experienced a situation that the mechanic told you that he had to crank down your torsion bars (I did a TT to slightly raise and level the front...) because he could not align it no matter what. Both my upper control arms are equipped with camber adjuster washers/kits and it took almost 2 hours for them to finish the alignment job.

I’m just concerned that if ever I install shackles and do a full 2" TT and then while at the shop getting it aligned their going to tell me that they cannot bring it within mfr. specs because of the TT.

 

[Ray Lobato]

I've got a 4" lift on my 97XLT and and also have the torsion bars tweaked and don't have a problem getting it aligned, well once I did, but that was because I bent the steering knuckle, wheeling, but after I replace the steering knuckle, the alignment went fine.
You might want to try another shop.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Just an incompetent shop. jtsmith & I know experienced one. I wonder if they are related.

 

[parad1mg]

Just an incompetent shop. jtsmith & I know experienced one. I wonder if they are related.

I had it done at a Firestone service shop.. most likely a tired and incompetent mechanic was the reason 'cause the camber adjusters that i installed had a +/- 2 1/4 degrees...

 

[MountaineerGreen]

There is no reason you can't crank your bars and get an alignment. I had mine cranked to the hilt before I got my lift, alignment was fine. I have a lifetime alignment at firestone and won't go back, they never never get my alignment right, even after going back multiple times.

 

[parad1mg]

There is no reason you can't crank your bars and get an alignment. I had mine cranked to the hilt before I got my lift, alignment was fine. I have a lifetime alignment at firestone and won't go back, they never never get my alignment right, even after going back multiple times.

I got their lifetime alignment too although it drives and brakes true i was just surprised that they cant get it into specs with just a slight TT.. if you don’t mind me asking, what shop do you get your alignment now?

 

[MountaineerGreen]

I haven't been in a while, but I go to mom and pop shops, talk to the alignment tech personally. I usually get good results. I always tell them to dial it in as close as possible, just within specs is not good enough for me. Most will give you a print off of the specs after the alignment.

 

[97ford50x]

I got their lifetime alignment too

speaking from a mechanics view I have never had a problem aligning a lifted truck my tortion bars are maxed and my alignment is dead on its that lifetime alignment they do not make any money doing them the first guy that does it gets credit for it everyone else gets zero

 

[gijoecam]

Indeed, sounds like an incompetent and/or lazy technician.

Ray, what am I missing?? Where's the steering knuckle on a rack and pinion? Just curious what got bent, that's all...

-Joe

 

[Ray Lobato]

Indeed, sounds like an incompetent and/or lazy technician.

Ray, what am I missing?? Where's the steering knuckle on a rack and pinion? Just curious what got bent, that's all...

-Joe

Joe,
It's the part that the hub assembly bolts on to, and goes between the upper and lower control arms. The tie rod connects to it on one end and to the rack and pinion on the other end of the tie rod.

 

[97ford50x]

Joe,
It's the part that the hub assembly bolts on to, and goes between the upper and lower control arms. The tie rod connects to it on one end and to the rack and pinion on the other end of the tie rod.

it is also called the spindle.

 

[Ray Lobato]

it is also called the spindle.

On a 4X2 wheel vehicle that is correct.

 

[97ford50x]

On a 4X2 wheel vehicle that is correct.

Yes

 

[reserved50]

maybe he saw Dateline NBC and he thinks its going to rollover?