This may get technical (susp)

[j_cst_10]

I have a 70 CST/10 with 6 lugs and 4 wheel manual drums. I have completely rebuilt all of the individual components off of a 72 C10 and am in the process of bolting the new stuff on. A brothers 3/4 drop is going on in place of the factory springs and shocks.

My question is about alignment. Does anyone have any good tips and tricks to get the Caster/Camber and toe back close to where it should be? Does anyone know the factory specifications? How about any handy alignment tools that can be purchased or that can be made?

I will include some pics when I am done with the project.

New frt and rear sway bars, upper/lower balljoints. All new steering, brakes, bearings and most important of all...a power booster! For wheels I have the tried and true truck rally's. This will be a different truck in a few weeks.

[j_cst_10]

So no one on here has attempted a home caster/camber/toe alignment? Should I post pictures of drop kits and wheels? Just kidding......

[lolife99]

I always leave the truck alignment to the guys with the high dollar equipment.
I assume you are using a 71-72 master cylinder and porportioning valve?

[j_cst_10]

Yes I am. The Camber and Toe is actually relatively easy to set. I am more worried about caster and how to get it even get close.

I am surprised no one here has responded with a DIY alignment tips. They did alignments for decades without high dollar equipment (well maybe high dollar for the time).

[tcb-1]

I agree with Keith. you can eyeball it and get it close, but spend 60 bucks and get a good alignment. your tires will thank you......

and yes, alignments were done for years, but you have to have the old school rim mounted levels. even then, you weren't guaranteed a "great" alignment.

[j_cst_10]

I wasn't planning on eye-balling it, but I'm not sure a full camber/caster/toe alignment is $60 anymore. If they get dirty it's going to be at least a couple hundred. Most $60 alignments they just do toe and that's about it.

Would anybody be interested in me writing up a do it yourself alignment how to? I am fairly confident I can figure it out with a little craftyness and some thought. I can probably get the factory alignment specs from a resource.

[tcb-1]

when I first lowered my truck with drop spindles and drop springs, I paid 60 bucks and had it aligned at Tires Plus. granted it took them 2 hours, but it was done. that was camber, caster, and toe. that was 3 years ago.

I'd love to see a shade tree alignment writeup.

[j_cst_10]

I guess I am more interested in figuring out how to do it. What will probably end up happening is that I will mess with it for hours, drive it down the road, and it will steer itself into a few mail boxes.

Oh well, I did all the work so far so why stop now right?

[lolife99]

I've lowered many truck and they drove PERFECT when I was done.
Then I took them to get aligned and found out it was WAY off.

If you come up with a quick "do it yourself" way to do alignments at home,... I would be interested. Seriously.
My alignment guy is 30 miles away and I would love to have it spot on when I take it to him.
I see a alignment thread in your future.
Keep us posted!

[70cst]

I just took my truck in for a full alignment. Boy was my alignment messed up. Mark has no computer equipment and he has been doing alignments for over 36 years. He knew exactly what the specs should be. Best part was he only charged $45. This really doesn't answer your question but once you get it some what aligned I would agree with others to take it to a good alignment shop. Best of luck.

[Jayss109]

http://www.google.com/search?client=...UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

First you tube video isnt half bad

[68C15]

about the only way to do it is to buy a caster/camber gauge. there are different styles. some have a magnet, others mount on a wheel stud, while some attach in place of the spindle cap. circle track guys usually have them and use it to set up for different tracks. but for the cost it would be smarter to pay to have it done correctly at an alignment shop.

[72BlckButy]

Took mine to my local GM dealership and for $59.95 they had me running down the highway in 1-1.5 hrs.