4 or 2 wheel alignment?

Like the title says. I think truck owners just have to get a front wheel alignment, but is that correct?

 

correct.

 

As long as the rear axle is straight...Yes.

I had my rear end aligned after I installed my AALs cause the angle was a little off. But I've never needed to have it done again.

 

alright thanks fellas. i'll assume my axle is straight lol

 

Mine was .3 degrees out stock...and .5 to .6 out after I installed the AAL. it's .02 now. And the rear end tracks the same it always did...It's more of an OCD thing than a true technical need...unless you have had rear end damage at some point.

 

brunes, how did you get the rear end aligned? i was at firestone today, and they said it wasn't possible? (not a statement, just a question)

 

From experience as an alignment tech, most shops will not "re-align" the rear end of a truck. Why? Because its a guess and check method.

When you get your truck aligned you get a two wheel alignment. They will not modify the rear end settings but the front end alignment is dependent on the rear end specs. The goal is to get the wheel within manufacturer specs from back to front. That's why we align the rear end first, since the front is dependent on the rear. You can have a truck that is within specifications but still slightly dog tracks. Just make sure you don't get charged for a four wheel alignment. They will get readings off of all four wheels but only adjust the front.

P.s. I have seen many shops modify the sensors to make it appear as if they have done a four wheel alignmemt on a solid rear axle vehicle that did not have adjusters. Unfortunately people just didn't know their vehicle and paid more for an out of spec alignment.

 

kidray, yea i know i just can't justify spending like 70-80 for 1 alignment at a dealer so i got the lifetime for $130 and am just hoping i at least get a correct alignment 2 times for the life of my truck

thanks for the info nixinus

 

Firestones vary greatly in quality of work from location to location. if you find one with a good alignment tech, there's nothing wrong with them.

 

Welcome.

Not saying you should assume they are going to cheat but I always keep and eye on the alignment and make sure a) the tech does not touch the sensors after they have been installed and b) the final printout is done after everything has been tightened back up (sometimes the specs will change if tightened incorrectly, i.e. cams not held in place when tightened).

 

i actually had a really pleasant experience there, I got there when they opened, and there was only 1 other person there. The customer service guy answered all my q's and explained the readings. After all my TERRIBLE experiences with tiresplus (I know firestone owns them) I told myself I wasn't even gonna get alignments anymore, but I figured for the price, might as well do it and hope some of them are legit

 

Depends on a lot of factors, but if you find a good guy at one of their shops, make sure you keep in touch. In and of itself, Firestone isn't that bad.

 

I've been having problems with a 2010 double cab. It pulls to the left at highway speeds and it's somewhat intermittent at 30MPH. The dealership claims to have done a wheel alignment but nothing has changed. Maybe my rear axle isn't true? Any suggestions would help.

 

Same, mine pulls pretty bad to whatever way the road is pitched but nothing has fixed the pull. Im constantly correcting to keep it going in a straight line

 

I would at least verify the rear wheels are properly aligned, but yeah, there isn't any sort of adjustment you can make on the rear like there is on the front.

If there is a problem with the rear end alignment, it's not exactly a straightforward process, and usually means there's an issue with your leaf springs or the mounts (bent frame even).

 

Have you ever followed a vehicle on the highway where the rear end is several inches off to one side? That’s why you need a four wheel alignment. But I think any semi smart person could do it themselves with a tape measure and some basic tools. Don’t pay a shop to do it.

 

If you must conduct a rear end alignment.
Using the homegrown method.

One each plumb bob, two is better.
20' string.
One 12'' ruler
Chalk
2 extra personnel.
Stretch the string in parallel with one of the rear wheels and establish a distance off of the tires and measure off of the steel wheel. Use plumb bob and mark with chalk.
Rinse and repeat on the other side.
Measure the distance on all four points in relation to the front wheels of the truck.

 

Having just had an alignment done, and reviewing the print-out, I was curious what would be considered out of spec for the rear end (if anyone happens to know)?

I poked around some, but didn't come across much info on the rear end alignment specs.



Thanks!

 

The leaf springs don't have any adjustment cams, and the leafs are pinned to the axle. Not sure how you'd make any adjustments...

If the numbers are way off in the back, you have bent things.

A "4 wheel alignment" is for cars and other vehicles with 4 wheel independent suspension, or if you have a 3 or 4 link.

 

Solid rear axel with leaf springs don't have any adjustment. Any problem in the rear is unlikely but it would be caused by something being bent or bad bushings or wheel bearings. As far as what numbers are out of spec for the rear of these trucks I don't really care to know, but I would judge a problem based on pulling, dragging, swaying, or bad tire wear. You will most likely never need to know because the rear end of these trucks are solid and simple. Any of those problems I listed would just reveal themselves on their own