I need a little help with the alignment numbers that I just got. I replaced all 4 springs and shackles. These parts were bought from Eaton Springs and are the standard springs.
1951 Chevy Truck 1/2 ton, 16" Radials tires, 1954 235 engine. Complete frame off restorations with front sway bar added. I do have a 2 degree shim installed between axle and springs on both sides. The fat part is facing toward the back of the truck. The front end does not seem to have any loose/sloppy areas. I will be rechecking this again in a few days. The truck drives and goes down the road pretty good. I am not scared to drive it at 60 - 65 mph.
Here are the numbers. All values in degrees:
Left front Camber 0.0, Right front Camber 0.6
Left front caster 0.6, Right front Caster 1.3
Left front Toe In 0.15, Right front Toe In 0.15
Front Total Toe 0.29; Steer Ahead 0.00
Left rear Camber -0.5, Right rear -0.3
Left rear Toe 0.27, Right rear Toe 0.19
Rear Total Toe 0.46, Thrust Angle 0.04
Finally my Questions:
1. For a straight axle is the difference between the left & right front side camber that great in practice? I have read that solid axles are usually setup for the same amount of camber on each side.
2. Both front caster numbers seem to be lower than other post talk about. Does the difference between the two sides indicate a problem with the axle being level?
3. I have no idea about Toe In values. The numbers I keep seeing are in inches. I did find a formula for converting to degrees but I need to wait and check the tire size to convert.
4. Thrust Angle - is the number to high. What I have found is ideal the Thrust Angle should be 0.0, with no plus or minus. I was wondering on a truck this old if I should be worried about trying to have the frame checked to be sure it is straight just from the Thrust Angle number?
5. Also looking in the book the setting are displayed in degrees and minutes. Is there a conversion for straight angle readings?
As you can probably tell I have very little knowledge/understanding of the alignment numbers. I have studied several different materials and understand how the readings are generated. I just do not know how to interpret them to help identify if I need to start checking the front end for a problem or what area to check.
Thanks for any help that can be given.
