That would be 0" inches toe-in(out) if the track width is the same fr/rr and the string is just touching all surfaces. If the string isn't touching the rear of the front tires that's toe-out, no toe-out. Gotta have no toe (0" toe-in/out), or no more than .125" toe-in MAX. Once you have them squared by the string method, to get accurate toe-in if desired, another measurement can be taken from the center of the tread, mid tire height, between the front of the front tires. This is where I employ the "redneck" tape measure trick. It's all I use. I take the measurement at the front, then at the rear from the middle of the tread, mid tire height between the front tires. No differerence is 0" toe(in/out), closer in the front equals the exact toe-in measurement. All this done under the proper alignment parameters, level ground, 1/2 tank gas, etc. For example, on my truck the "magic" number is 60.5", if that's what I get when measured from mid-tread/mid tire height between both the front and rear of the tires that's 0" toe-in. If I get 60.6" measuring behind the tires then I'll have 60.4" when measured in the front of the tires, or exactly .10" toe-in.

 

I suggest to all that are having trouble visualizing the toe setting per string method to just get a string are run it around the front wheels to the rear.
Take the string and see how parallel your front wheels are to the rear wheels right now. Measure the distances between the rear wheel surfaces and write them down. When your alignment goes out you can reference these figures for your toe specs.

Frank

 

Oh yeah, I can see that now, thanks!

 

Thats MORE than alot of alignment techs can visualize....

Maybe they all failed geometery in school (scary thought if they are running an alignment machine)

 

That or maybe they want you to think it can't be done so they don't have to do it. I've had them tell me before that it can't be done because there is no adjustment for it. Keep in mind their main goal is to get back on a coffee break.

 

Ok Frank, after reading your write-up here I finally get it (I think):
http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showfl...&Number=793177

 

Here are some photos showing how to use the techinque that I described to set the toe.


http://www.stu-offroad.com/steering/...steering-2.htm




Fred

 

this is a dumb question but you adjust the tire rod while the tires are slightly above the ground or touching the ground?

also adjustment is needed if the steering wheel is not centered while the truck is going straight?

 

I would think that you have to adjust the toe-in (and other alignment settings) with the weight fully on the tires, on the ground.

 

This is correct. In fact, I perform all the adjustments with the truck on the ground.

Frank

 

Weight of the vehicle on the ground.





Fred

 

Just saved myself $50 last night and my steering wheel is straighter than it was the last time I paid for an alignment. All thanks to this thread and the links in it. It can be a little tricky seeing when the string makes contact with the back of the front tire. You can pluck it like a guitar string and if the vibration is stopped at the back of the front tire, it's making contact.

Replaced the idler arm to get brass bushings on my primary idler arm. Made my front toe out bad. Surprised me how much an idler arm could affect the alignment. Oh, well. I can deal with it now.

Frank, I put new Alcan springs on last Thursday night, and my rig is "stink bugging" now as well. Hope I didn't order too heavy of springs. Does it make any sense that the camber (not caster) would be affected by that? It doesn't to me, but I seem to have a couple of degrees of negative camber (/ \ instead of \ /).

 

Right on man.

I swear by this now. I'll never revisit another alignment shop.

 

So, when are you coming down to the southside to fix this Firestone disaster, then? ;-)

 

I'm guessing before Rubicon, right? LOL. I'm pretty booked up this week, but I could probably make it down sometime next week.

 

Nah, I'm really just kidding ya. Although, there /would/ be beer available if you wanted to stop by. My couple of attempts to do my own alignments have not turned out well, so with a smart fella like yourself walking me through it would be good since I'll probably have to do it again before starting back from Tahoe.

 

Let me know if you guys do meet up. I'd like to see how it's done.

 

thanks for the info I was going to tackle this when I get my 2" lift. Very helpful except I just need to remember mine is 2wd

Thanks again

 

I think I get how it's done - I'm just having a dummy moment. I've never messed around there much, and I have no idea where the cam bolts are. They must be in the pics posted - but is anyone willing to make me a photoshop arrow???

 

Me too. BJ spacers are coming up for me so I'll need an alignment soon.