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#1183947 09/24/2016 12:19 AM
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 148
R
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
R Offline
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 148
I have a 1949 chevy pickup 3100, this past week I replaced the kingpins on both sides. Started driving it and I am noticing that the truck is pulling hard to the right, it was not doing this before I replaced king pins. I have been told by a few people that I need to adjust the toe in. Can someone please tell me how to do this? I like to try and do this kind of stuff myself if possible. The old truck is all original and I an trying to keep it as close as I can, any help would sure be appreciated. 5hanks.

Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 29,269
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Joined: Sep 2001
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Joined: May 2006
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L
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 8,351
Something else you will want to do, assuming you are still running the factory style tie rods and drag link, is adjust the preload on them before you set the tow. It will make a difference. The procedure is described under "Installation".
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1948_51truck/51ctsm0304.htm


Bill Burmeister
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,208
J
'Bolter
'Bolter
J Offline
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,208
And just to add some for you to read, https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/sets/72157632210242370/

Toe end should be set with full weight on the tires, don't try and set it in the air on stands. Also, roll the truck forward at least one full tire revolution, two would be better, this sets the tie-rods in as driving position. It's best to scribe a line down the center of the front tire tread, with tire off the ground, use a sharp pointed tool and have someone rotate the tire while you hole the tool solid and on center. This line will help when measuring.
Once both tires are marked and the tie-rods are adjusted, back the truck up two tire rotations, then come forward the same amount or more. Try and get the truck to stop without brakes and don't let it roll backwards.
Now have your helper hold the tape measure as high up on the back side of the front tire without hitting the oil pan while you do the same. It's your job to record the measurement. Use the scribed line to measure from.
Move to the front side of the tires and measure at the same hight and record that measurement.
The front should be 1/8" less then the rear, or toed in 1/8".
If it's not, loosen the clamp bolts at each tie-rod and twist the center rod one full turn.
Back the truck up and roll forward with each adjustment. If you are like me, you will always go the wrong way the first time! This is why you go one full revolution, it's easy to get back to where you started.

Once you have your 1/8" in , lock the tie-rod pinch bolts and go for a drive.

Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 29,780
H
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
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We used a set of aluminum plates about 8" tall and 2 feet long to check toe in the pits at the race track. Stand one plate up against the sidewall of each front tire, and use two tape measures fitted into slots at the top of the plate, one ahead of the tire and one behind. Simply compare the reading on the tapes to get a quick, accurate toe measurement.
Jerry


"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
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5
Renaissance Man
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Another quick-hitting gem from HRL!
This one came in just in time for me, as I am about to set up my '49 final front end tweaks.
Jerry, you should write a book out of those babies. You have a ton of them.
It could go into the "Tech Tips" section of this site.
I know I'd be in that section a lot more than I am now.
I think the key would be that they be all quick hitters for the attention impaired.
Carl

Last edited by 52Carl; 09/27/2016 12:49 AM.

1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 914
3
'Bolter
'Bolter
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When the toe in spec is 1/8" that means the front of each wheel is turned inward 1/16" to get the total 1/8" toe in. Jeffrey

Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 29,780
H
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
H Offline
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 29,780
Toe must be checked with the wheels pointed straight ahead. As they turn away from center, the wheels toe out to allow the inside wheel to turn a shorter circle than the outer. It's called "Ackerman", or sometimes referred to as "toe out in turns".

http://www.rctek.com/technical/handling/ackerman_steering_principle.html#moreack

Jerry



"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!

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