DIY Alignment

[Paul Fithian]

I recently replaced all suspension components on my 2001 Sport Trac, including new camber adjusting bolts.

Here's the setup I used to align the front end. Set lift even on both sides with the torsion bolts before starting.

Run a string around the back wheels to a cinder block on both sides. Set string height to the center of the wheel. Adjust toe in/out with steering wheel centered.

Use a magnetic angle finder attached to the brake disc. Adjust camber to 90 degrees with the lower control arm raised with the jack so that the 4' level on the front cross support is level.

You have to verify that the front wheels are on a level surface to do this properly.

 

[david4451]

I do my own alignment also and made two rotating plates to drive onto, from old taper roller bearings. This makes it easy to adjust alignment as the is very little friction.
I also use a long pole through the passenger and drivers windows and clamp the steering wheel to the pole in the exact centre position.
The string lines I run parallel to the truck using the side steps as a guide and measure front and back of front wheel rim and adjust outer tie rod until the same dimension.
This method has served me well, after new upper control arms my ST tracks perfectly. Where I live in Philippines it is not easy for local shop to do this so necessity was the mother of invention. Well almost!!!!

 

[Tech By Trade]

My dad does all his own alignments this way on his farm trucks, but they do only see gravel. Seems to work.

 

[swshawaii]

How did you compensate for the wider front track distance? +/- 1/4" total toe is HUGE when the ST factory spec is 1/8" positive.

Keep in mind the centerline (Dogtracking) of the front tires could be as much as 30mm (1.18") wider than the rear.

Replacing Camber/Caster Bolts | Page 2 | Ford Explorer and Ford Ranger Forums - Serious Explorations

Page 238
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/01p27og6e.pdf

Front track /Rear track 1 486 (58.5)/1 480 (58.3) 6mm or 1/4" difference

 

[david4451]

Providing the sting line is parallel to the truck at the rear wheel at rim edges the front can be adjusted to the string line. The dimension at front obviously won't match the rear due to the different widths.
Also I use a very thin string line, which helps with measuring accuracy.
I can't do castor or camber but use original bolts and plates in upper control arms and as said previously my tracking feels perfect,