Alignments

[MilSpec]

How often does everyone get an alignment done?

I just did a pretty hardcore weekend excursion and noticed that the front end was pulling to the left a little. So I am taking it in today and having it done. Luckily I have access to an alignment system and I do all the work.

Any particular things you all have run into when get alignments done.

Thanks
Rich

 

[Disco Mike]

Rich,
I only get an alignment when my truck starts pulling, or tire wear shows up. Were you in alot of rocks, check for a bent tie rod, probably the most common cause for a pull. I am assuming that you checked your air pressure, did you loose some in a bead roll while playing? Is your steering wheel off center?
Good luck.
Mike J.

 

[smenzel]

Ditto the above plus possibly when getting new tires.

 

[Gumarcel]

What if you have no sway bars, with a lift, and a rack. Other than tire wear (rather new tires, about 4k miles on em), how do you tell?

 

[sven]

noticed that the front end was pulling to the left a little.

Check tire pressure too. You'd be surprised how much this causes pulling.
Sven

 

[MilSpec]

Thanks for the ideas.

Tire pressure was all brought back to normal the day after I got back. Yes, I was in a lot of rocks. I'll have to examine the tie rods a little more closely. Didn't hit anything on the trail, but you never know. And the steering wheel is slightly off center by maybe 5 degrees while holding a protractor up to it.

Rich

 

[Disco Mike]

Sounds like a toe adjustment and you should be fine.
Mike

 

[marc olivares]

i've found on trucks that i've serviced w/ pulling issues that it's the tires.
soft sidewalls tend to pull to one side or the other.
way to check is to move the front tires to the back, won't cost you a thing and only takes a few minutes to do.