Caster adjustment ?

[Knothead]

Is there an easy way to measure caster on the straight axle setup? I know there is a wedge between the axle and springs.

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by Knothead

Is there an easy way to measure caster on the straight axle setup? I know there is a wedge between the axle and springs.

You either need a digital protractor or an angle finder. Place it on the top of the spindle or the flat next to the spring on the axle. The truck must be on the ground and at full weight.

[mr48chev]

That would get you in the ball park without actually using a front end gauge.

[Knothead]

What degree would be a nominal seeting. The truck wanders really bad where it is now.

[mr48chev]

Around 3+ a bit more than the desired for AD trucks.

Take a look at this page.
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com...esto/56136.htm

I got it from this page http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com...to/56index.htm

[dwcsr]

Wandering is not usually caster. Its is most likely worn parts like rod ends and King pins.

[dicer]

Having a proper caster camber level gauge is the best way. It would be adjusted with the wedge between the axle and the spring.

[Knothead]

Thanks for the input,I checked the caster and its at 1 degree to the rear.I upgraded all the tie rods,bearings,disc brakes,525 manual box. I've adjusted most of the play out of the steering box. How much toe in should I be running?

[Knothead]

Are there different size wedges? I pushed the wedges in towards the front until the spring center bolt stopped them and I still get a 1 degree reading?? Dave I did get some movement in the King pins,front to back. It was minimal, Is any play too much?

[Wrenchbender Ret]

There are different angles in the shims. I get them from Chevy Of The 40s.
Ill let Dave answer about the king pins.

[Knothead]

I purchased a pair of 4 degree wedges from summit. Completed the install today and went for a short test drive,turned into a long drive! What a difference it made.

[mr48chev]

Getting it feeling right to you makes a lot of difference in how much and how far you drive.

1/8 on the toe in is good but I think that chart I posted earlier has all the measurements on it.

[Knothead]

Yea, that is alot of good info. I'm planning on installing sway bars front & rear. That should make it handle even better! During normal driving all's good,But when power shifting it's difficult to keep it pointed in a straight line!

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by Knothead

Are there different size wedges? I pushed the wedges in towards the front until the spring center bolt stopped them and I still get a 1 degree reading?? Dave I did get some movement in the King pins,front to back. It was minimal, Is any play too much?

What happens with these axles it he pin and bushing is tight but the hole in the beam is lose. It takes an over size pin and the axle needs to get reamed to fit. As for play minimal play is ok and I mean hardly noticeable. If you can see it wobble back and forth with your eye like and 1/16" or more its most likely to much.

[dwcsr]

Wheel alingment specs for your truck are

Caster 1.5 degrees
Camber 1/2 to 1-1/2 degrees
Toe-In 1/8 to 7/32 inches
King Pin Inclination 7.16 Degrees