The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Alignment spec's / stock 52 3100

Having the 52 3100 1/2 ton aligned again next week at a different shop. Did not get a print out. I don't think they knew what they were doing. New tie Rod ends, roller bearings, king pins are good. Corvette 8 " wheels. Wanders a bit, quite a handful, no wear on front tires. My Chevy truck shop manual sais; Caster 1+3/4 +/- 1/2, Camber 1 +/- 1/2, Toe in 1/16 - 3/16. I've see other specks on stovebolt. Am i good with these if the new shop knows what to do?

front-end/alignment settings

Standard/original-style front-end parts?
What PSI in the tires?
What tire size on those wheels?

If all else fails (or, the alignment shop says all the alignment settings are good) decrease the PSI by 1 psi and go for a run/ride to test the steering. Too high pressure often causes wandering.

Continue by 1PSI decreases until the steering gets good or until it gets tough to steer.
If it gets tough before it gets good, the problem is not tire pressure.

Fat wheels/tires on a vehicle designed for skinny wheels/tires will wander and could be a "handful". If the new shop is a shop specializing in OTR trucks and has the equipment to properly bend what needs bending your alignment will be a success. You will still wander.
🛠

Be sure the sector gear preload is adjusted properly, either by the spring scale method on the steering wheel suggested in the shop manual, or by going for a 10 inch/lb. increase in turning torque at the steering shaft nut in the center of the steering wheel as I've been doing for almost 60 years. Also be sure the wheels are pointed straight ahead when the steering gear is centered, which they should be if the drag link is straight and in good condition and the steering arm at the LF wheel the drag link attaches to at the front isn't bent. Most wandering problems are caused by a sloppy steering gear preload, although the huge oversized tires (and probably incorrect wheel offset) are mistakes that can't be corrected with wheel alignment.
Jerry

If you have a chance to borrow a set of original type wheels and tires to put on the front, you may find your problem. I can tell you that with my 1 Ton, it steers really nicely with no wander or surprises.

Steering issues began after first alignment shop, even with the 8 " wheels. TIre size P235/70 R 15. AIr Pressure 28. All standard steering parts and it's not lowered, stock ride height. Drag link not bent.

I will try lowering the air pressure before next week alignment. And thanks Jerry for the selector gear preload tip. Truck drove good before the first alignment.