84 K/10, Need Front End Help
 

I just put some new wheels and tires on my 84 K/10 and wanted to get the front end aligned here at the GM dealer I work at. The issue being that the front wheels ride along their outside edges and my tech friend couldn't figure out how to adjust the front end to straighten this out because there's no camber. He was able to adjust the toe a little, and can adjust it more after I replace the two frozen tie rod ends but the edge riding problem remains. Anyone have any idea what to do?

Re: 84 K/10, Need Front End Help
 

He needs to determine how much camber is needed and then you buy camber shims from the parts store. You have to disassemble the rotor and remove the six nuts that lot the spindle on and put the shim in between the knuckle and spindle then reassemble the rotor,brake and hub. While your at it it would be a great time to replace the Torrington bearing in the spindle it's more than likely seized.Its not a quick adjustment like a new truck but it is possible. Buy the way it's probably upper and lower ball joints that it needs. Old school front end guys are the best to have look at it I doubt the GM alignment guy has ever even seen a solid front axle before judging by him not knowing what to do.

Re: 84 K/10, Need Front End Help
 

He's a front end tech and can not figure out how to adjust the camber on your truck? Seriously?

Well, first step is find an experienced front end man. And honestly if you need tie rods replaced, do that before an alignment.

Re: 84 K/10, Need Front End Help
 

I work at a Cadillac dealer so this guy who's been around a long time isn't so familiar with a solid front axle.

Re: 84 K/10, Need Front End Help
 

That's a good one. When you get to the bigger problems you need more than a tech. You need a real mechanic. I could write a book on problems the dealer techs couldn't figure out and a real mechanic fixed in minutes.

FWIW I have never seen a GM straight axle front end wear out tires unevenly due to camber. Maybe somebody already put the wrong shims in there at some point and they just need to be removed.

Re: 84 K/10, Need Front End Help
 

Could be, I guess I'll get the tie rod ends and sleeves and let them try it again. I haven't noticed the camber issue since putting the new wheels on so I guess I'll see what the machine says.