Can a Self-alignment be done? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

SuperCheyenne72 · 04-12-2002, 01:43 PM

Midas wants to charge me $200 because my outer tie rods are bad and it needs an alignment...

Is this something I can do myself? I've already bought the parts and the mech. at Midas even said I could... BUT to bring it straight back to them for the alignment part, otherwise I'll eat my tires up real bad...

Right now it veers to the left pretty bad and in order to drive straight I have to constantly have my steering wheel at one o'clock... any tips?

------------------
'72 Super Cheyenne LWB

350 V8 w/ TH400
MSD Pro Billet HEI Dist. w/ Splitfire plugs
Holly Intake Manifold and dual exhuast glasspaks
Reman. QuadraJet Carb.

"Wanna race, I'll let you give me a head start?"

Southpa · 04-12-2002, 02:12 PM

You have two options:

1. Install the new parts yourself and try to get things as even as possible so you can drive it in for the alignment.

2. Let Midas install the new parts right there.

Of course, you are looking at the extra labor cost for the installation. Bottom line is, a reputable mechanic WILL NOT do an alignment on a vehicle that has bad tie-rods, balljoints etc. Firstly, because its near impossible do to a proper alignment with a shaky front end. And also because they don't want you coming back and complaining that the vehicle is all over the road.

------------------
Southpa
1970 GMC 1500 Custom
Victoria, BC, Canada

bbs1965 · 04-12-2002, 02:19 PM

Jay's Front-End Alignment
115 S Bowen Rd # A4
Arlington, TX 76012-6605
Phone: (817)265-2690

These guys do great work at a reasonable price. I have had 3 front end dones by them Great work. Plus Jays brother is an old chevy truck guy. Highly recommend

69 longhorn · 04-12-2002, 02:21 PM

Quick backyard toe setting.....run a pc of duct tape vetical,& horizontal(like a +) on ea tire. measure with a tape measure,at front,&rotate the tire 180,to measureat the rear. Set for 1/8" toe in(narrower measure at front).....that will be good enough to drive to the shop.....69 longhorn.

DJ · 04-12-2002, 02:57 PM

Change the tie-rods and adjust as follows:

I have for year used a piece of string tied to the hitch or somewhere behind the rear wheels, come across the middle of the rear wheel to the middle of the front wheel. First center the steering wheel, then pull the string tight and check the string on the front wheel, check where the string touches in the front and rear of the front wheel. Keep pulling the string in and out to see what touches first. There should be about a 1/8” space between the string and tire on the front side and touching on the rear side of the front tire. The string should be touching on both sides on the rear tire. Keep adjusting the tie-rods and checking with the string. Do both sides. Tires on each side have to be the same size. Hope this isn’t too confusing, it can take some time. It’s best to be on flat concrete.

Like already stated: a reputable mechanic WILL NOT do an alignment on a vehicle that has bad tie-rods, balljoints etc.

Later,
DJ

------------------
70 C20, AC, 307/3 on tree, fleetside longbed,
Baton Rouge,Louisiana

PanelDeland · 04-12-2002, 03:39 PM

You're lucky that Midas didn't tell you that they aligned it but it needs tie rod ends and realignment before it will drive right.They would have tried to charge you for the first alignment.As stated before a reputable front end mechanic wont align one with bad parts.

------------------
Deland does Chevys 68Chevy panel(LIZ)
"A man and his truck,it's a beautiful thing"
"I have the body of a god,unfortunately it's Budda"

**Desert Rat** · 04-12-2002, 03:57 PM

Alignment would kinda be pointless,I rebuild all my own front suspension have someone follow me the 3 miles to the alignment shop,and pay$50.
on tie rod end and suck i measure and try to put in new about same length as new,and if you pull a arms for the bushings,i always make sure to put thye same number/same shims back in,when i take it in,they said it didnt need much it was close,but maybe there just saying that,to make me feel good,i always clean and paint everything before it goes back together.this place has good guys they press in parts for free for me just say if you dont need it right away,well do it when were slow.No problem,Im never in a hurry to save a few bucks,everyone else wants $10 a bushing,and im not gonna scew with it when they can have old ones out,new ones in in 10 minutes effortlessly.

Mike C · 04-12-2002, 04:54 PM

I bought a Howe caster/camber gauge from Summit. With a tape measure and some string you can set your own toe, caster and camber. It was abot $150 but if you do two alignments it pays for itself. I've done at least 4 since I got it. :-)

------------------
70 GMC 3/4 ton Sierra Grande 402/TH400
72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's
64 Corvette Coupe
68 Camaro 'vert TPI & TH700
69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110
72 Datsun 240Z-ol' reliable

SuperCheyenne72 · 04-12-2002, 07:44 PM

Hmm, I guess I might be over my head on this one then from the sounds of it. Thanks for all ya'lls advice though.

It seems that setting the proper toe in is easier than the actual alignment itself. Guess there's no point in putting in the new tie rods in exactly how I found them if the alignment is off in the first place.

New plan will be to replace tie rods and head straight to shop...

Quick question though... If after I set the new ones in and the toe checks out ok. What if by some act of God my alignment turns out straight and true... could I still be doing damage to my tires without even knowing it

Southpa · 04-12-2002, 11:19 PM

Yeah, you'd best let the pros do the alignment. There are other things they look at too. But if all they said was that you need the outer tie-rods, then you can hold them to it. They might not charge you alot to replace the tie-rods for you, your decision tho.

------------------
Southpa
1970 GMC 1500 Custom
Victoria, BC, Canada

GreenMystChevy · 04-13-2002, 02:52 AM

I don't wanna start a new topic but I have a question along the same lines, well, front end suspension anyway. I am planning on rebuilding the front end, tie rods, ball joint, etc. Well, is there anything that is pressed in or can it all be done at home with a few home tools? I rebuilt the front end of a Chevelle and didn't know if the '71 C-10 is any different. Sorry I can't answer the question that was posted.

------------------
'71 C-10
'70 Chevelle SS

bobs409 · 04-13-2002, 06:41 AM

The best thing to do is to replace the parts yourself, then go get it aligned.

Just count the number of turns it takes to remove the old tie rod and turn the new one in the same amount. That will get you very close or even spot on where it is now. A ride to a shop isn't going to hurt anything.

------------------
63 Impala*66 Chevelle SS*69 Chevelle*69 C10 Stepside*71 Cheyenne 20*72 Chevelle

Parts for sale:
http://www.angelfire.com/trek/mr409/items4sale.html

Mike C · 04-13-2002, 08:48 AM

The lower ball joints require a ball joint press to install. If the uppers are original, the rivets need to be drilled and ground to install the bolts in the replacements. Auto Zone should have a ball joint press (looks like a giant c-clamp pretty much) that you can borrow if you just leave a refundable deposit.

------------------
70 GMC 3/4 ton Sierra Grande 402/TH400
72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's
64 Corvette Coupe
68 Camaro 'vert TPI & TH700
69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110
72 Datsun 240Z-ol' reliable

04-12-2002, 01:43 PM	#1
SuperCheyenne72 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Dallas, TX USA Posts: 80	Can a Self-alignment be done? Midas wants to charge me $200 because my outer tie rods are bad and it needs an alignment... Is this something I can do myself? I've already bought the parts and the mech. at Midas even said I could... BUT to bring it straight back to them for the alignment part, otherwise I'll eat my tires up real bad... Right now it veers to the left pretty bad and in order to drive straight I have to constantly have my steering wheel at one o'clock... any tips? ------------------ '72 Super Cheyenne LWB 350 V8 w/ TH400 MSD Pro Billet HEI Dist. w/ Splitfire plugs Holly Intake Manifold and dual exhuast glasspaks Reman. QuadraJet Carb. "Wanna race, I'll let you give me a head start?" __________________ '72 Super Cheyenne LWB 350 V8 w/ TH400 MSD Pro Billet HEI Dist. w/ Splitfire plugs Edelbrock Performer Intake Manifold and dual exhuast glasspaks Edelbrock Performer 750 cfm

04-12-2002, 02:12 PM	#2
Southpa Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Victoria, BC, Canada Posts: 2,409	You have two options: 1. Install the new parts yourself and try to get things as even as possible so you can drive it in for the alignment. 2. Let Midas install the new parts right there. Of course, you are looking at the extra labor cost for the installation. Bottom line is, a reputable mechanic WILL NOT do an alignment on a vehicle that has bad tie-rods, balljoints etc. Firstly, because its near impossible do to a proper alignment with a shaky front end. And also because they don't want you coming back and complaining that the vehicle is all over the road. ------------------ Southpa 1970 GMC 1500 Custom Victoria, BC, Canada __________________ 1970 GMC 1500 Custom Original 350/TH350 Victoria, BC, Canada You can wish in one hand and crap in the other. See which one gets filled first.

04-12-2002, 02:19 PM	#3
bbs1965 Open Sundays 10 till 10 Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Waxahachie,Texas 75165 Posts: 1,009	Jay's Front-End Alignment 115 S Bowen Rd # A4 Arlington, TX 76012-6605 Phone: (817)265-2690 These guys do great work at a reasonable price. I have had 3 front end dones by them Great work. Plus Jays brother is an old chevy truck guy. Highly recommend __________________ 817-846-5476 parts for sale always 30 minutes south of Dallas on I35 WWW.BBSAutoSalvage.com bbs1969@direcway.com

04-12-2002, 02:21 PM	#4
69 longhorn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: rock island,il,usa Posts: 5,382	Quick backyard toe setting.....run a pc of duct tape vetical,& horizontal(like a +) on ea tire. measure with a tape measure,at front,&rotate the tire 180,to measureat the rear. Set for 1/8" toe in(narrower measure at front).....that will be good enough to drive to the shop.....69 longhorn. __________________ http://community.webshots.com/user/hotrodhorn

04-12-2002, 02:57 PM	#5
DJ Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Posts: 147	Change the tie-rods and adjust as follows: I have for year used a piece of string tied to the hitch or somewhere behind the rear wheels, come across the middle of the rear wheel to the middle of the front wheel. First center the steering wheel, then pull the string tight and check the string on the front wheel, check where the string touches in the front and rear of the front wheel. Keep pulling the string in and out to see what touches first. There should be about a 1/8” space between the string and tire on the front side and touching on the rear side of the front tire. The string should be touching on both sides on the rear tire. Keep adjusting the tie-rods and checking with the string. Do both sides. Tires on each side have to be the same size. Hope this isn’t too confusing, it can take some time. It’s best to be on flat concrete. Like already stated: a reputable mechanic WILL NOT do an alignment on a vehicle that has bad tie-rods, balljoints etc. Later, DJ ------------------ 70 C20, AC, 307/3 on tree, fleetside longbed, Baton Rouge,Louisiana __________________ 70 C20, AC, 307/3 on tree, fleetside longbed, Baton Rouge,Louisiana

04-12-2002, 03:39 PM	#6
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	You're lucky that Midas didn't tell you that they aligned it but it needs tie rod ends and realignment before it will drive right.They would have tried to charge you for the first alignment.As stated before a reputable front end mechanic wont align one with bad parts. ------------------ Deland does Chevys 68Chevy panel(LIZ) "A man and his truck,it's a beautiful thing" "I have the body of a god,unfortunately it's Budda" __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

04-12-2002, 03:57 PM	#7
Desert Rat Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Darrington, Washington Posts: 3,963	Alignment would kinda be pointless,I rebuild all my own front suspension have someone follow me the 3 miles to the alignment shop,and pay$50. on tie rod end and suck i measure and try to put in new about same length as new,and if you pull a arms for the bushings,i always make sure to put thye same number/same shims back in,when i take it in,they said it didnt need much it was close,but maybe there just saying that,to make me feel good,i always clean and paint everything before it goes back together.this place has good guys they press in parts for free for me just say if you dont need it right away,well do it when were slow.No problem,Im never in a hurry to save a few bucks,everyone else wants $10 a bushing,and im not gonna scew with it when they can have old ones out,new ones in in 10 minutes effortlessly.

04-12-2002, 04:54 PM	#8
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,728	I bought a Howe caster/camber gauge from Summit. With a tape measure and some string you can set your own toe, caster and camber. It was abot $150 but if you do two alignments it pays for itself. I've done at least 4 since I got it. :-) ------------------ 70 GMC 3/4 ton Sierra Grande 402/TH400 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert TPI & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 72 Datsun 240Z-ol' reliable __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

04-12-2002, 07:44 PM	#9
SuperCheyenne72 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Dallas, TX USA Posts: 80	Hmm, I guess I might be over my head on this one then from the sounds of it. Thanks for all ya'lls advice though. It seems that setting the proper toe in is easier than the actual alignment itself. Guess there's no point in putting in the new tie rods in exactly how I found them if the alignment is off in the first place. New plan will be to replace tie rods and head straight to shop... Quick question though... If after I set the new ones in and the toe checks out ok. What if by some act of God my alignment turns out straight and true... could I still be doing damage to my tires without even knowing it __________________ '72 Super Cheyenne LWB 350 V8 w/ TH400 MSD Pro Billet HEI Dist. w/ Splitfire plugs Edelbrock Performer Intake Manifold and dual exhuast glasspaks Edelbrock Performer 750 cfm

04-12-2002, 11:19 PM	#10
Southpa Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Victoria, BC, Canada Posts: 2,409	Yeah, you'd best let the pros do the alignment. There are other things they look at too. But if all they said was that you need the outer tie-rods, then you can hold them to it. They might not charge you alot to replace the tie-rods for you, your decision tho. ------------------ Southpa 1970 GMC 1500 Custom Victoria, BC, Canada __________________ 1970 GMC 1500 Custom Original 350/TH350 Victoria, BC, Canada You can wish in one hand and crap in the other. See which one gets filled first.

04-13-2002, 02:52 AM	#11
GreenMystChevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Woodinville, WA Posts: 513	I don't wanna start a new topic but I have a question along the same lines, well, front end suspension anyway. I am planning on rebuilding the front end, tie rods, ball joint, etc. Well, is there anything that is pressed in or can it all be done at home with a few home tools? I rebuilt the front end of a Chevelle and didn't know if the '71 C-10 is any different. Sorry I can't answer the question that was posted. ------------------ '71 C-10 '70 Chevelle SS __________________ Jeremy '71 C-10 '72 GMC K2500 '72 Nova (Dad's) '70 Chevelle SS '55 Sedan Delivery Attempting to build up this here 4x4...make her real tall and purty...well, maybe just tall

04-13-2002, 06:41 AM	#12
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	The best thing to do is to replace the parts yourself, then go get it aligned. Just count the number of turns it takes to remove the old tie rod and turn the new one in the same amount. That will get you very close or even spot on where it is now. A ride to a shop isn't going to hurt anything. ------------------ 63 Impala66 Chevelle SS69 Chevelle69 C10 Stepside71 Cheyenne 20*72 Chevelle Parts for sale: http://www.angelfire.com/trek/mr409/items4sale.html __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

04-13-2002, 08:48 AM	#13
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,728	The lower ball joints require a ball joint press to install. If the uppers are original, the rivets need to be drilled and ground to install the bolts in the replacements. Auto Zone should have a ball joint press (looks like a giant c-clamp pretty much) that you can borrow if you just leave a refundable deposit. ------------------ 70 GMC 3/4 ton Sierra Grande 402/TH400 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert TPI & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 72 Datsun 240Z-ol' reliable __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax



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