VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc 37 MD Front End Alinement

Hello to all, I know this has been hashed over before, but can't seem to find the info on it. Ive been trying to measure with a tape measure the toe in and toe out on my 37MD by going from center tread to center tread on the tires. There's got to be a better way, other than taking it to a front end shop. Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
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Joe's 37

Tires tend to wobble a bit naturally so instead of measuring to the tread you need to jack each wheel up a bit, spin the wheel while holding an object such as a nail against the tread. That leaves a mark on both tires that you can measure from. It works way better if you have another pair of hands helping with the measuring part.

I put a piece of masking tape on each front wheel and then put as straight a line on the tape as possible. Jack up the car and then let down on supports that keep the tires off the ground and load the suspension as much like it was on the ground as possible. Measure the distance between the tire tape marks with the tires toward the front and then rotate 180 degrees (or as close as possible) and measure again. The second measurement should be greater than the first and the amount the toe-in.

Measuring tire tread is not as accurate as it is difficult to find the exact spot on each tire and treads grooves can vary some.

Also make sure that the front wheel bearings are properly adjusted and in good condition. They can affect the measurement. King pins can also have an effect but not normally are a problem when measuring the toe-in with the tires are off the ground.

Thanks Tiny & Chipper. When I rebuilt my knee actions last fall I also put in new wheel bearings and king pins. So that part was taken care of. I took a little advice from both of you on this matter. It took most of the afternoon, but I got it. It was about 7/8's out. Now its within 1/8. Boy, what a difference it made. She turns easier, and the steering wheel wants to come back to almost center again after a turn. Hasn't been that good since Ive owned it. Many Thanks Gentlemen!!
B. T. W, Best wishes there Tiny on a speedy recovery and rehab. Have a Great 4th of July guy's,
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Joe's 37

Glad to help. Toe-in adjustment is a relatively easy adjustment to do correctly if you support the suspension so it is the same as in a driving position.

Ditto on the glad I could help. 7/8 out is huge. I would imagine it drives better now.