![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Eureka, CA
Posts: 60
|
Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
I have a 71 C20 with a stock front end. I got new wheels and tires, but the alignment guy said the front end parts were all worn and refused to do the alignment. No problem, I'll get the parts and rebuild the front end.
In the meantime I'm driving the truck, and the alignment is fine, and the steering is perfect. Put a couple thousand miles on it over the last year and the tires are wearing just fine. Well, I decided I wanted someone else to do the work, just getting to old to want to do it any more, so I took it to a reputable shop here in Eureka CA and asked them to put in the parts I had ordered, some additional steering parts they would order and align it. The parts I ordered were from PST and the invoice clearly says C20 on it. They had it a week. When I got the truck back, I had at least 4 symptoms and the truck is a hazard to drive. 1. There is no caster(?) I.E. the steering wheel won't return to center without some effort to pull the wheel back. 2. It darts all over the road so bad it throws me around in the truck over irregularities. 3. On corners it over steers badly and the back end feel like it is coming around requiring a correction to the steering. 4. When turning into a parking spot or other sharper turn, the front tires are fighting each other. In my gravel driveway, the outer wheel chewed up the gravel. Also my turning radius is larger than it was before. I'm taking the truck back in on Monday (6-12). I'm afraid they either did the alignment to spec but there is something horribly wrong with the install of the parts, or the wrong parts, or they didn't do the alignment to spec because they couldn't. Anyone else ever have this experience? Any alignment guys out there have any idea what might be happening here? Help, they took a perfectly riding and steering truck and made is so much worse!!
__________________
Stan Feldsine - Build Thread - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=673856 1969 C10 LWB Fleetside - 350 - 700R4 1971 C20 LWB Fleetside - 350 - TB350 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Dallas Texas
Posts: 3,090
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
It sounds as though some of the parts were put back together in an incorrect configuration ( very easy to do this, even experienced folk do it wrong sometimes ).
Post up some pictures of the components as they are installed. Without pics, this board can only guess at it. Also, if you do a search on this bard for alignment and center link you'll find lots of threads covering this topic. Hth, -klb
__________________
67 C10 fleet fuel injected '70 402, 700r4, 3.73 posi 07 335 sport turbo 6sp 94 Trans Am GT LT1 6sp posi -- sold after 22yrs 99 540 sport V8 6sp -- sold 73 240z L24 4sp -- given to friend 68 C10 step 350/350 3.73 open -- sold Last edited by weq92f; 06-11-2017 at 12:33 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Victoria, B.C
Posts: 3,794
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
When you take it back in for corrections, make sure you use the words 'liability' in your conversation....that will get things right in a hurry.
As well, when you pick it up, make sure you go for a 5-10 minute ride with the service manager to test it out to make sure its corrected. Coley
__________________
....for some men, there is experience, skill and effort....for the others...there is visa and UPS LOL 1966 Chevy 1/2 ton (Florida- Red/white) 1972 Chevy 1/2 ton (California- Blue/white) 2005 Chevy Silverado HD2500/Duramax 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: strausstown pa
Posts: 3,394
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
Bet they put the center link on backwards.
Happens all the time.
__________________
81 camaro 355 4/spd 342 posi my first love ![]() 67 swb step 454/4spd ott 373 posi 4/7 drop. 2000 s10 zr2 little blue truck that never gets stuck. '74 heald super bronc vt8. tecumseh powered moon rover. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Bigfork, Montana
Posts: 1,137
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
Ask for a printout of the alignment specs. Most reputable shops will include one with the final invoice. It should show the before specs and the after, the specs may be displayed in red (out of spec) & green (in spec). It's standard procedure to test drive the vehicle after the alignment, it's really the only way to confirm the steering wheel is centered & the truck doesn't pull. I agree with weq92f, sounds like something was installed incorrectly BUT they should have caught that in the alignment. If everthing is properly installed then the alignment is way out (or they didn't align it)
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Centennial, CO
Posts: 2,949
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
Piss poor workmanship, you ALWAYS test drive after an alignment or any other suspension work.
The center link may be in backward, or upper control arms are swapped, or.... Something is probably installed incorrectly. Definitely take a post repair drive with the boss, and they need to be doing round 2 for free at least. Maybe round 1 also, depending on how they handle this.
__________________
ClusterTruck: 68 C10 Bought in 89, wrecked in 03. Slow low $ rebuild started '17. 6.0 & TKO http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=788602 93 K1500 Short Step, 350, NV4500, EBL flash ECU. Vortec heads & roller cam someday... 05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 3” lift & 6-speed 02 E320 the insurance total “free car” 13 Tahoe LTZ |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Eureka, CA
Posts: 60
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
Thanks guys. One thing I forgot to mention, the reason they say they had it for a week, they could not get the correct pittman arm. They said they ordered two and the arm was angled a few degrees off from the one that was on the truck and gave like 1.5 turns one side and 3.5 the other. They finally gave up and reinstalled the original pittman arm which was good. I believe them, the steering was not originally sloppy or loose.
Going out to take some pictures now. Be back.
__________________
Stan Feldsine - Build Thread - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=673856 1969 C10 LWB Fleetside - 350 - 700R4 1971 C20 LWB Fleetside - 350 - TB350 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Eureka, CA
Posts: 60
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
Left and right control arm assemblies.
__________________
Stan Feldsine - Build Thread - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=673856 1969 C10 LWB Fleetside - 350 - 700R4 1971 C20 LWB Fleetside - 350 - TB350 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Eureka, CA
Posts: 60
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
Oh great, they are sideways, do I need to rotate them or is this ok?
__________________
Stan Feldsine - Build Thread - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=673856 1969 C10 LWB Fleetside - 350 - 700R4 1971 C20 LWB Fleetside - 350 - TB350 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Eureka, CA
Posts: 60
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
Pictures of the center link and linkage.
When I jacked the truck up, the passenger tire points off to the right significantly, and the driver tire is way way off to the left.
__________________
Stan Feldsine - Build Thread - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=673856 1969 C10 LWB Fleetside - 350 - 700R4 1971 C20 LWB Fleetside - 350 - TB350 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Centennial, CO
Posts: 2,949
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
The control arm pics would be better from the top, hard to tell from the front. Viewed from above; The leading edge should be angled toward the back of the truck. The rear edge should be 90deg relative to the frame rail. Kind of like an airplane wing. They aren't symmetrically shaped, actually more like a right triangle. If that makes any sense... Someone here probably has a pic.
The pitman and idler should be parallel to each other and approximately in-line with the frame rails.
__________________
ClusterTruck: 68 C10 Bought in 89, wrecked in 03. Slow low $ rebuild started '17. 6.0 & TKO http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=788602 93 K1500 Short Step, 350, NV4500, EBL flash ECU. Vortec heads & roller cam someday... 05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 3” lift & 6-speed 02 E320 the insurance total “free car” 13 Tahoe LTZ |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Eureka, CA
Posts: 60
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
By golly, checking out the "alignment and center link" posts weq92f suggested above shows they probably installed the center link backwards. The tie rod nuts are in the back instead of the front. When I looked in the 1971 Chassis Manual, there is a picture on page 9-18 that shows the tie rod nuts in the front. You guys are awesome, I'll have the shop swap the center link, I'll bet that's it. I'll post the results.
Ref: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=400205 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=629495
__________________
Stan Feldsine - Build Thread - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=673856 1969 C10 LWB Fleetside - 350 - 700R4 1971 C20 LWB Fleetside - 350 - TB350 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Watch out for your cornhole !
![]() Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
Your center link is 100% guaranteed backwards.
And, get the right brake hoses. Your front hoses are too short.
__________________
I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
70+ ( Old Skool Club )
![]() Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ,Canada
Posts: 9,119
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
subscribed
__________________
1972 C10 Custom/Deluxe 613 Highlander 406/700R4 1999 White Tahoe LS 4x2 with Z56 Police Package 1992 K1500 GMC Suburban Members I have personally met: MusicMan70 - HeavyD - ChewyChevy67 - StingRay -71SWB4x4 - 67 Burb - DeadheadNM - too much stuff - bc65 - das601 " Circumsatances Do Not Change Responsibility " " The Sky is not the Limit, Your Mind is." Marilyn Monroe .. RIP Charlie Watts 1941 - 2021 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Eureka, CA
Posts: 60
|
Quote:
Posted via Mobile Device |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Eureka, CA
Posts: 60
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
Just got home and checked the upper control arms per clay68c10. Contrary to what you said though, the 90 degree side is to the front, and the back has the angled side. But I have a 69 C10 here as well, and what is in the C20 matches what is in the C10. The C10 has a distinct rake to the rear side of the control arm, and the front side is the straight out side. Plus it matches the picture in this post here below:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=400205 The photo of the upper arm in this picture definitely shows the angled edge to the rear, and the straight edge to the front. Right? I think my control arms are in correctly....?
__________________
Stan Feldsine - Build Thread - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=673856 1969 C10 LWB Fleetside - 350 - 700R4 1971 C20 LWB Fleetside - 350 - TB350 Last edited by Feldsine; 06-11-2017 at 11:50 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Bigfork, Montana
Posts: 1,137
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Latrobe, Pa. 15650
Posts: 344
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
Just like Tx mentioned about your brake hose's. They are rubbing your cross member which will eventually cut into them. If you don't correct them quickly, you won't have to worry about the center link.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Watch out for your cornhole !
![]() Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
Concerning the front brake hoses. You have half ton hoses on your three quarter ton. Proper 3/4 and 1 ton hoses are the same as you have except longer. Many parts places incorrectly catalog them all the same. They are not, I guarantee it.
ClassicParts sells the proper hoses under part number 71-319 http://www.classicparts.com/1971-72-.../#.WT5xEOvyu2w Personally, I always use the longer hoses on my half tons too as I like the added length for my usual suspension modifications.
__________________
I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Eureka, CA
Posts: 60
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
Thanks for the info on the brake hoses, I'll definitely be ordering them asap. Off to the shop. I'll let you all know how it turns out.
__________________
Stan Feldsine - Build Thread - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=673856 1969 C10 LWB Fleetside - 350 - 700R4 1971 C20 LWB Fleetside - 350 - TB350 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Mocksville, NC
Posts: 1,747
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
There has been a steady flow of "what's wrong" posts lately where the culprit was a center link installed backwards. It's scary when it's an alignment shop that does it. Even if they haven't worked on something of this vintage, you'd think they would be taking note of how everything came apart so they could maybe put it back together correctly? Results of corrected center links from previous threads have all been very good so I think you will be much happier after this is fixed.
__________________
Builds: Green Gus the 68 C10 ; Sullii the 72 1500 - Instagram: @dr.hewitt - C10 Concept/Development Photos: Master Thread |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Lake Forest, CA
Posts: 2,177
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
This is a correct statement.
__________________
"Work hard, use your vacation days." 1970 C15 GMC Long Bed 1986 C20 Scottsdale 1983 K2500 Sierra Classic Suburban 6.2 Instagram: C10sofOC |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: bisbee, arizona
Posts: 1,529
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
I would call them out on thier failure to do a test drive after the rebuild.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Matamoras, PA
Posts: 397
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
Sorry to hear about the headache. I don't trust ANYONE with my truck but ME.
Once you know all your parts are installed correctly, look up the string alignment method. There are how-to videos on youtube and it is really easy to do yourself. That will get you lined up pretty decent if not just as good as a shop can do. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Newport Heights, CA
Posts: 1,000
|
Re: Alignment Shop Ruined My Alignment
Control arm photo...
__________________
Glenn 1960 Burro Corvair/VW Buggy - Factory made in Santa Ana, Ca 1929 Ford Model A Roadster - traditional pre-war banger hot rod Last edited by ghalperin; 06-12-2017 at 01:21 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|