4x4 center link/drag link help!

[gmc 2500 4x4]

im trying to line up my front best i can. (69 gmc) is there a starting point measurement? my old link was bent and i picked up another one and its way off. i have new ends for it and just thought to ask on here. i find no answers in my books. center hole to center hole in yellow. paul

[74CustomK20]

You could measure both wheels turned outward and then both inward. Find the average and start that?

[gmc 2500 4x4]

i can try that.

[special-K]

This part is your tie rod and you have new tie rod ends for it. The way to set things up is 1/8" toed-in, so measure front and back and make front 1/8" less. Easier said than done w/o a true line to absolutely straight. It might be easiest to clamp a straight edge onto the hubs or rotors than going by tires. This will be good enough to take in for precision alignment

[gmc 2500 4x4]

thanx special-K, then to find someone whos good at these old trucks. i found tons of factory shims so at least i have those.

[midniteblues]

When im setting up new tie rods I usually measure off the old ones but ya can't always do that.

I used a level bungeed around each front tire/wheel and measured off the levels any straight edge will work but levels usually have handle holes too hook the bungees too. Also did the 1/8" toe in.

This really don't apply here but may help someone else. A big square set on a decent floor and against the wheel/tire vertically can help get caster/camber close.i also use a small magnetic level on the Square too make sure it's upright.
Then you can use a smaller rule too measure the gap of the the top or bottom of the square too the tire too get each side close.

Each of these tricks should get you close enough too make it too a alignment shop without destroying the tires.

[1malo68]

My truck has a Crossover/High Steer kit and when I did an initial setup to get me to the alignment shop, I took 2 pieces of straight flat stock and drilled 2 holes on each so it would bolt on to the hub with the lugnuts horizontally. I measured front side to front side and then back side to back side and adjusted the toe-in to 1/8". There was no weight on the front end when I adjusted it but it drove pretty nice to the alignment shop. The guy who did the alignment said that it was pretty close to correct.

[gmc 2500 4x4]

i got it dam close, thanx!