Poor mans wheel alignment

[70deuce]

Here is what I do. A 1/2' PVC pipe slipped inside a 3/4" PVC pipe lengths cut so the 1/2" can slide about one foot while in between the tires. You can use the same setup for all trucks. I wrapped some tape around the 1/2" pipe to provide for an interference fit but still allow motion. I drive the truck straight for a short distance then using jackstands for support put the pipe across them in front of the axle and hold the 3/4" pipe against one tire as shown and pull the 1/2" pipe out until it contacts the other tire. I mark the inner pipe where it hits the outer pipe and then go to the rear of the axle and do the same thing. The two marks will show the toe in or toe out. One truck I got from GL had 3/4" toe OUT! Hopefully you bet 1/8" to 1/4" difference toe in. You can also mark the inner pipe with 1/8" increments. I have jacked up one wheel after a straight ahead drive also and it it doesn't seem to make much difference than not jacking one up. Its not precise but it sure it easy and it does work.

 

[hvann]

Here is what I do. A 1/2' PVC pipe slipped inside a 3/4" PVC pipe lengths cut so the 1/2" can slide about one foot while in between the tires. You can use the same setup for all trucks. I wrapped some tape around the 1/2" pipe to provide for an interference fit but still allow motion. I drive the truck straight for a short distance then using jackstands for support put the pipe across them in front of the axle and hold the 3/4" pipe against one tire as shown and pull the 1/2" pipe out until it contacts the other tire. I mark the inner pipe where it hits the outer pipe and then go to the rear of the axle and do the same thing. The two marks will show the toe in or toe out. One truck I got from GL had 3/4" toe OUT! Hopefully you bet 1/8" to 1/4" difference toe in. You can also mark the inner pipe with 1/8" increments. I have jacked up one wheel after a straight ahead drive also and it it doesn't seem to make much difference than not jacking one up. Its not precise but it sure it easy and it does work.

Thanks 70deuce. Looks like another great way to get-r-done.

I see the P3 as your avatar. Any chance you were VP48?

Thanks
Van

 

[70deuce]

Van, no I was VP-16, VP-30 and VP-49 which decommisioned in the early 90's. All JAX squadron's. Are you a P-3 guy?

Phil

 

[TenTires]

I was an E-2, C-2 guy (same motors) but we used to det down to JAX every 2 months. Spent a lot of time there, nice place.

 

[hvann]

Van, no I was VP-16, VP-30 and VP-49 which decommisioned in the early 90's. All JAX squadron's. Are you a P-3 guy?

Phil

Hey Phil
I was in VP-48 Moffit Field between 72-75. I was in between 69-79. AMH

Van

 

[OldDominionIron]

If the front tires were removed, could you clamp a straight edge across the hubs and take your measurements that way? Great pics, they make it much easier to understand.

 

[bambambam22]

What size and brand are those tires. THey look great

 

[lacoda56]

The way sermis describes takes any tire and rim wobble out of the procedure. Alignments were done this way at shops for years before laser alignment came along. It also helps to rattle can spray a stripe down the center of the tire while spinning it. The scribe mark shows up clearly that way.

 

[clinto]

70Deuce, that's brilliant with the PVC.

All you dudes are a clever bunch.

 

[marchplumber]

If you aren't goin to take care of your "employee" please inform Andy that there are other places of employment available for a person of his qualifications! ROFLMAO!
God bless,
Tony

 

[tobyS]

I did it with a straight edge on my F66 4x4 and set at 1/8" toe in using 2 pieces of cold rolled flat bar. When I measured + 1/8" at 30" behind and -1/8" at 30" in front, I stopped. I don't trust the wheels to be straight and true all the time. Then Again I still have split rims until some deuce gives up a set of super singles.

 

[brianp454]

I am not fond of many of these methods of checking toe. As others mentioned, the best way of preventing innacuracies is to spin the tie and mark it (per th enail or sharpie method). This is how I did it:

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?108208-M35A2-Toe-Check-and-Adjustment-(if-necessary)