Re: 1977 D100 Alignment Problems
[Re: elmor353]
#2901691
03/22/21 04:32 PM
03/22/21 04:32 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 355 Sparks, Nevada
MoparMike23
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 355
Sparks, Nevada
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I've had terrible experiences with tire shops doing front end alignments over the years. After having my 65' Pontiac aligned by a local tire shop, it wandered all over the place and followed every little groove. None of theose guys knew what they were doing. I took it back and asked them to max out the caster. They put it at the max of the specs but would not go and further, said they are not allowed to go beyond the specs. It helped a little but still sucked...much like how you describe your truck. When I had to take my Bee in for an alignment, prior to go to a track day, I looked around for a front end specialty shop instead. I found an old alignment shop here in Reno called Sunshine Automotive. They had great reviews and after talking with them, I quickly realized they knew what they were doing. I talked about wanting more caster for my wide radial tires and they mentioned where my alignment should be for my application and going on a road course. They recommended going outside of the factory specs and they were spot on. My Bee drives great and honestly handles the track nicely. I need to take the Pontiac in to them to get it realigned. So, long story short, stay away from tire shops and find a specialty shop to do your alignment.
Good luck - Mike
1969 Superbee 440-6 1977 D-150 Adventurer 2000 Jeep TJ 2018 Challenger Scat Pack Shaker 2019 Ram 2500 CTD
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Re: 1977 D100 Alignment Problems
[Re: sportfury70]
#2901904
03/23/21 09:00 AM
03/23/21 09:00 AM
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RWG75
Unregistered
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RWG75
Unregistered
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Finding an old timer that know how to align old stuff can be a tough trick. The control arm adjustment bolts can often be a challenge to the less experienced. The teeth in the washers tend to dig in and want to slip back to where they spent the last few decades while being tightened. I always start with trying to take some slop out of the steering gear and just recently I tried the Borgensen replacement shaft. The last bit replaces the steering coupler and tightens things up a lot more than I expected it would.
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Re: 1977 D100 Alignment Problems
[Re: elmor353]
#2901951
03/23/21 10:56 AM
03/23/21 10:56 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 18,389 UPPER MICHIGAN, MARQUETTE COUN...
NITROUSN
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 18,389
UPPER MICHIGAN, MARQUETTE COUN...
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Not sure if I still have the spec sheet from when they aligned it. If I can find it I will post the specs. Having the print out is key. Otherwise this is nothing but a guessing game. There are no special specs to point it down the road. I would inspect it completely for broken, cracked, loose and moving parts. Then if ok get it realigned and keep the print out. Alignments are not rocket science. Not knowing the book specs I would set it at +.5 camber. + 3.0 caster. 1/8 on the toe in. Sometimes the caster may not be achievable so just get them as high as possible and even. Get this done and let us know how it works.
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Re: 1977 D100 Alignment Problems
[Re: sportfury70]
#2902114
03/23/21 04:54 PM
03/23/21 04:54 PM
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 869 Keizer, Oregon U.S.A.
elmor353
OP
super stock
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OP
super stock
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 869
Keizer, Oregon U.S.A.
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The tires are new. I replaced the rag joint coupler when I replaced the steering gearbox. After replacing all the components, it drove better on the way to the alignment shop than it has since. lol Maybe I should have left it alone.
Last edited by elmor353; 03/23/21 05:02 PM.
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Re: 1977 D100 Alignment Problems
[Re: elmor353]
#2902150
03/23/21 06:18 PM
03/23/21 06:18 PM
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5,711 ohio
ruderunner
master
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master
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5,711
ohio
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Who rebuilt the box?
Did someone set the lash too tight or loose?
Angry white pureblood male
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Re: 1977 D100 Alignment Problems
[Re: elmor353]
#2902385
03/24/21 01:55 PM
03/24/21 01:55 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,043 State of Confusion
hp383
Just a normal tag again
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Just a normal tag again
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,043
State of Confusion
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Did you remove or replace the center link?
The center link can easily be installed "upside down" and fit, and look correct. I had a friend who had the same issue on his 76 after doing a front end and suspension rebuild. The alignment tech missed it the 4 times he was in to get the truck to drive right, it wasn't until the shop owner (an older gentleman with years of service work under his belt) went out to see what was going on. He immediately spotted the incorrectly installed center link, and after a quick flip and alignment the truck drove perfect.
Join the Penguin Liberation Front!! Stop the Hippo Occupation!
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