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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Went to my mechanic to do a front end alignment. The only adjustment he could do was a toe-in. He said I would have to go to a shop with I-beam bending equipment. Have any of you guys experienced this situation? Ed
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Joined: Jan 2002
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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Is this a car or a truck? If it is a truck,, yes, bending is how the camber is adjusted and shims between the axle and spring is how the caster is adjusted.
If those two are near specs and it drive OK don't worry about it. Other wise a truck alignment shop is necessary not some tire store.
Gene Schneider
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Chev Nut is correct. Any vehicle with beam axle only has 2 easy adjustments, toe in and caster. If the caster is different on each side it needs to go to the same shop as the camber adjustment.
Tony
1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
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Hi Ed, On previous post Ed has identified his vehicle as a 41 coupe.I can not over emphasis the importance of finding an experienced frame alignment shop to do ANY work on the suspension of your car. The manual must be followed closely or you're in for a whole lot of damage and repair costs. 99% of the alignment service centers, and the mechanics they employ, have no idea how to do this work. It is your responsibility to understand the manual enough to micromanage the process and find the 1% that know what they are doing. Ed, have you been doing any searches of our past posts to locate info on this topic? While our search process is not always that easy it is important to know how to use it. Search Function Tips Here are some past posts on aligning your front suspension. 1941 Front End Alignment Steering Alignment Question Front Suspension Question Remember to call me if you want to visit about your 41. I am finishing restoring mine. 989-832-7634 Good Luck, Mike
Mike 41 Chevy
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Joined: Sep 2002
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If the kingpins and shackle bushings are good, and the car does not pull to one side, I would not worry about trying to make the readings perfect. It is hard to imagine how one of these axles could become bent without destroying much of the car.
My 1951 1 Ton is now on the road! My 38 Master 4 Door is also now on the road .
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Joined: Jan 2002
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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If it is a car the above is for a truck only.
Next time you go for an alignment take a shop manual along and make sure the guy can read.
Last edited by Chev Nut; 12/09/16 10:35 AM.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Nov 2016
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Thanks, guys for the info. The car handles and steers OK. My mechanic says if it drives and steers fairly decent, I shouldn't be too concerned about improving it. Thanks Mike, for your offer to call anytime. Ed
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