Alignment

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

MEASUREMENTS/ADJUSTMENTS

The front wheel alignment positions must be retained within the specified limits to prevent abnormal tire tread wear, and to ensure steering ease and safe operation of the vehicle.

The equipment manufacturer's recommendations for use of their equipment should always be followed. All damaged front suspension system components should be replaced. Do not attempt to straighten any bent component.

CAMBER AND CASTER ANGLES-2WD VEHICLES






Camber and caster angle adjustments involve repositioning the upper suspension arm cam adjustment bolts (Fig. 2). Alignment adjustments are accomplished by loosening the retaining nuts and changing the position of the cam bolt.
(1) Remove all foreign material from the adjustment bolt threads.
(2) Record the camber and caster measurements before loosening the adjustment bolt retaining nuts.






(3) The camber angle should be adjusted as near as possible to the preferred angle. The caster should be the same at both sides of the vehicle. Refer to the Specifications chart.

CAMBER AND CASTER ANGLES-4WD VEHICLES

For 4WD vehicles, the correct wheel camber (vertical tilt) angle is factory preset at positive one degree (+1°). Camber cannot be altered by adjustment.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to adjust the camber angle by heating or bending the axle or any suspension component. If camber angle is incorrect, the component(s) causing an incorrect angle must be replaced.

(1) It is important that the camber (vertical tilt) angle be the same for both front wheels.
(2) The camber angle should be measured with accurate wheel alignment equipment. The acceptable range is + 1/2° to + 1 1/2°. Refer to the Specifications chart.
A satisfactory test for assurance can be made by road testing the vehicle and observing the steering wheel return-to-center position.

Before road testing, check and correct the tire inflation pressures. Inflate both of the front tires with exactly the same pressure.

During the road test, make vehicle turns to both the left and right. If the steering wheel returns toward the center position unassisted, the caster angle is correct. However, if the steering wheel does not return toward the center position unassisted, an incorrect caster angle is probable.

(1) The caster angle is factory preset at positive two degrees (+2°). The acceptable range is + 1/2° to +3 1/2°.
(2) The caster angle should be measured with accurate wheel alignment equipment.
(3) Caster angle can be adjusted by installing tapered shims between the front axle pads and the spring brackets. The caster angle should be adjusted as near as possible to the preferred angle.
(4) Record the caster measurement before removing the original shims from the spring pads.
(5) The caster should be the same at both sides of the vehicle. Refer to the Specifications chart.

WHEEL TOE POSITION

The wheel toe position adjustment should be the final front wheel alignment adjustment. In all instances, follow the equipment manufacturer's recommended procedure.

(1) Secure the steering wheel with the front wheels in the straight-ahead position. For vehicles equipped with power steering, start the engine before straightening the wheels.
With power steering, the engine should be operating during the wheel toe position adjustment.






(2) Loosen the tie rod adjustment sleeve clamp bolts (Fig. 3). Fig. 3 Toe Position Adjustment (Typical)
(3) Adjust the wheel toe position by rotating the tie rod adjustment sleeve (Fig. 3).
To avoid a binding condition at either tie rod, rotate each tie-rod end in the direction of sleeve rotation during the adjustment (Fig. 3). This will ensure that both tie-rod ends are at the center of their travel when the adjustment sleeve clamps are tightened.
(4) If applicable, turn the ignition switch off.
(5) Position the adjustment sleeve clamps so the ends are not located at the sleeve slot. Tighten the clamp bolt nuts with 18 N.m (160 in. lbs.) torque. Tighten Model D350 and all 4WD vehicle (heavy duty tie rods) nuts with 34 N.m (25 ft. lbs.) torque. Ensure clamp bolts are located at the underside of the sleeve.