Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

If you check out the alignment thread in my signature I addressed swapping the upper control arms there. Everything you want to know should be there. Have you checked your truck over fully to verify you won't be cobering up some other issue?

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

I gave up on alignment shops a long time ago. I just line up the wheels with string and go by eye and how it feels on the road. I shifted my LCAs forward 3/4 inch and have not noticed a bump steer problem. Seems to handle better. Also my truck does not have power steering. :mm:

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

The bumpsteer problem can be remedied by swapping the outer tie rods to the bottom of the spindle. There are several good threads in this.

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

I probably should have said specifically, I gave up on alignment shops (in my vicinity) Glad to see someone taking the time to figure out these trucks.

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

It didn't take long to figure out the basics and do a bit of experimenting. Doesn't take much to get a better alignment. Seems like the hardest part is getting someone to work with you...unless you do it yourself.

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

I researched the string method and found it works great and is really simple, are you familiar with it?

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

I just use a tape measure to set toe to be good enough to get it to the rack.

I guess I should mention I am no longer a mechanic. I am now a Realtor so I don't have access like I once did.

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

This explains it. Typically, our front tires stick out more than the rear, so just reverse the method.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sguZ-gRF9I

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

Has anyone confirmed this? Where are said threads? I'd like to know for sure before I drill out the spindles😁

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

Here's one I have bookmarked: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=620584

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

Yeah, thats the one I was going to post

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

Lol, yea I'm subbed to that one, you can see my parts there. I'm not sure if I'm going to have clearance to install them. I was looking for more people with this mod. I don't agree with the OP's set up cause it looks like it will bind. Was hoping to find more than one person who has done it. I would think anyone with forward arms needs them.

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

When I did the Caster Mod it didn't raise the end all that much but I need to take a second look when its back on tge road and ready for another alignment.

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

Just chiming in... It can not be overstated how important it is for a front end alignment be performed by a Fully Qualified Mechanic. Following the Manufacturer's specifications for Caster, Camber and Toe on the front is as equally important as a proper alignment of the rear axle as well. The rear axle is singularly important with the Thrust-Line Measurement. This measurement ensures the vehicle tracks straight.

As stated above - a Fully Qualified Mechanic...

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

Good luck finding a "fully qualified mechanic". I was a BMW Master for 20 years. Most "qualified" people know "green is good" and "set toe and let it go". Its honestly a joke. Anyone can learn and take their time doing an alignment on their vehicle.

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

Well, just FYI you would be hard pressed to find any alignment shop that will unbolt and shim the control arms 5 or 6 times to dial in the caster and camber as needed. Not to mention they wont have a program that has a spec for my arms or a modified oe arm so they would not touch it anyhow. Especially when they see the air ride. I would bet 95% of the board members on this forum are more qualified than any home town alignment shop grease monkey. I know well about thrush, and don't have a problem with dog tracking. Just bump steer from aftermarket arms that are 1" narrower and 1" forward from stock. But I appreciate your contribution to this thread😉

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

I'm about to try the lower control arm and lose the shim stack.
Maybe that will help center the wheel in the fender well.

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

This is the truth. I've worked in dealerships for over 20 years and I see the majority of alignments are a toe adjust only. It isn't even hard to adjust camber usually, but caster isn't always adjustable. People are just in a hurry and care more about quantity than quality.
I aligned my stock height C1500 years ago at about -.25 camber, +1.5 caster, and toed in a little bit. I could probably add a little more caster, but it drives fine as it is. If I decide to change it, I'll have to go get some shims. The shop I currently work for doesn't have any, even though some of the older vehicles we work on require them for adjustment.
As far as doing an alignment without an alignment machine and rack, I think it could be fairly close, but definitely not perfect. Even slightly off can cause a crooked steering wheel, a pull, or tire wear. The best bet is to find somebody that knows what they are doing and has access to the proper equipment.

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

I think you would be surprised how accurate you can get it if you buy the tools to do accurate measurements ( not just string) racers have been using these kits for years for track side adjustments. Even though technology has greatly improved they still sell bubble levels every day , why caus they are accurate. Jkjkjk. But they offer the DIY kits with lasers and digital levels too. Just what ever you prefer. For me well I don't have a choice my suspension is so far from stock no one will touch it. Maybe I just live in to rural of an area...but hey...I prefer a little more than a toe alignment any how. I can do that any time right at home.

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

FOLLOWING:chevy:

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

And these are the reasons I started this thread. You don't have to go on the stock specs and shop guys don't know enough to know that. We already know 6 or 7° Caster is preferable but its hard to get there. The closer the better. -1° Camber is close to max. Those aren't even close to stock specs but if a guy knows it'll work on ANY car he wouldn't hesitate to align ANY car. When yhey won't touch a modified suspension you automatically know they really don't know much about an alignment.

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

Ok so I’m aligning a stock suspension frame off on a 70 c10 and the specs call for +3-4 castor, +1 preferred camber, and a lot of toe in! So I’ve got the castor first then dialed in camber but thinking .8-.12 for total tow in. What’s y’all opinion? It likes to road wonder and requires a lot of attention when driving... Need this thing to go home next week.

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

1/8" total toe (1/16" each side, toe out). Negative camber (1ish degree) as much caster as you can muster.

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

x2

Re: I Found the Magic Button!
 

Don't think too hard about it as long as your camber is negative and your camber is as positve as possible. Make both sides as equal as possible. If it keeps wandering rotate the tires until tire pull is minimized.