Front-end alignments

[Steelawork'n]

What are you guys setting your camber at? The front end guys always seem to set the alignment per OEM specs. Well, we now are running radials which might need a different setting.

[Brad]

Okay, here's what I've set mine at and it's simply awesome! I saved this from 2001. Btw, I've also got the quick ratio power steering box from a 77 and I barely have to touch the wheel on the highway. It really stays straight and doesn't have that scary feeling that I've heard some people complain about.

ryes 69
Member posted 06-02-2001 08:47 PM I guess I'll go with the ones that work,keep in mind I swaped the drums to discs,if that really matters like what fast was talking about. and I have power steering, that makes a diff?thanx Ryan

c-10 racer
yeah, it does make a diff... ok... have them set it at .3 degrees positive camber +/- .3
3.0 degrees caster (positive) on the left side +/- .5 ... 3.5 degrees caster right side (this adjusts the road crown effect) have them set the front toe and 1/8" positive
this set up works well with power steering, and keeps the tires from wearing.

[BowTieMan]

What exactly is that quick ratio steering box? Just a stock one from a newer truck?

[Brad]

The quick ratio is a stock box from a 77 quad cab 'Big 10' or something like that. I think it's 3ish turns lock to lock whereas the standard box is like 4ish turns lock to lock. I really, really like the box I have! My truck is lowered, has solid springs, a 1-1/4" sway bar up front, and the steering box, and it handles much better than my Camaro, lol!

[Steelawork'n]

I forgot to say that I'm driving a '68 C20 with a '71 power steering parts along with the disc brake set up.

Will those numbers work on my rig?

[Brad]

Uhh, yes.

Not sure if you're looking for feedback from other people, so here's a free ttt for ya.

[Brad]

I never go to Les Schwab if I can help it! They're overpriced and want to tack on work, parts, and charges that don't need to be done. What is it called- add on sales???

Anyway, I take all my alignments to a guy down in Monmouth, Or that has his own shop and whom I trust will do things right. I hope that you get the results that you're looking for with Les. Let me know what you find out.

[Steelawork'n]

Okiedokie Brad. Schwabbies set mine per GM specs (which seem to be pretty broad). This is how they left them:

Left Camber is .1
Rt. Camber is .3
Left Caster is 1.1
Right Caster is 1.8
Left toe is .21
Right toe is .20

Do these measurement cause any red flags for you?

[Brad]

Well, GM left pretty broad specs in my opinion. I am no alignment expert so hopefully others will chime in for you, but again, I'm very happy with my alignment and have had zero problems with it tracking correctly no matter what surface or speed I drive. I just wish I could allow you to drive it, but it's in pieces right now if you see my other post. I should also mention that I've got a 275 tire up front and they've worn very well with the specs I gave.

The only big difference I see is the caster and that's what helps with keeping your truck going straight ahead. But again, I'm no expert.

[Steelawork'n]

Could the caster also effect the upfront vibration?

[Brad]

Sent PM

[Custom 68]

is the Caster adjustable on these trucks? I guess I thought that was a set in stone thing?
I know how you adjust the camber and tow settings?
Thanks
Dave

[Steelawork'n]

I'm not sure if caster is adjustable. I know the before and after numbers changed when I got my truck back from the techi. Not much of a change but change nonetheless.

[Boog]

Caster, camber and toe in are the three adjustments used to set the front end in proper alignment. Yes caster is adjustable.

[chaosdsr]

Both caster and camber on these trucks are adjusted by shimming the upper control arm. toe of course is at the tie rods. As for caster for those that dont know is not a tire wearing angle.

[Steelawork'n]

Ok, I had my alignment done by Les Schwab and it vibrated between 50 and and 60 mph. The vibration became less noticable as I approached 70. So, I just got back from Schwabs. The rebalanced the tires and rotated the rear to the front. A little better as far as the vibration goes but it is still there. Now I feel it consistantly from 50 through 70 mph. I'm starting to think my tires have flat spots on them cause I had it sitting for a while. But most of that time the front wheels were off. My rear wheels were left on...they are probabley the ones that need replaced.

So, if they were balancable, then why in the heck am I still getting vibration from them? Are flat-spot-tires balancable?

[oldgold70c10]

Wow, old thread, but some good info. I do have some questions. Would it be possible to get 3-3.5 degrees positive caster with a stock 1970 front end? I just converted to power steering and much above 55 it feels unstable. The entire front end is new and tight, and I had it aligned, but still do not like the way it handles at highway speed. When I had it aligned, I asked about increasing the caster, but the guy at the shop said caster can't be changed. After reading some of these threads, I guess I need to find another shop.

[cdowns]

you can balance tires with flat spots but then all you have is balanced tires with flatspots// some performance shops have tire lathes that they can turn the tires to make them round