I'm posting this here due to lack of responses elsewhere...

I took my rear leafs out the other day (and took them apart) to do some work, including putting in new center pins. Apparently the new pins I used had slightly bigger heads because they didn't seem to want to slid into the holes on the perches as easily to line up the axle. With the axle back on and the ubolts torqued down to spec, from the outside everything looks good. I was able to peek inside a hole on the side of the perch with a flashlight and verify that the new center pin heads are indeed in the perch holes, and not in crooked or partially or anything. That being said, I *think* ive noticed some slightly funny behavior from the rear end. On one or two occasions i've managed to squeal the tires on acceleration from a stop where normally i wouldnt have done that (i never squeal the tires on acceleration). Also, on turns, if I have my window down and in making a left-hand turn, i can hear a lot of tire rubbing on the ground, it kind of sounds as if my rear axle is "slightly locked" if that makes sense. its not as severe as if my locker were engaged, but it acts like its locked just a little bit. now this could all be in my head, but i kinda want to see what everyone else's thoughts are on the subject. how can i check to make sure my axle is pointing dead-straight forward?

 

A lot of alignment shops can check to see if your rear tires are in alignment with the front tires. A shop that may not be as advanced or used to doing just the front tires, might miss it. Just find a shop that is up to date on todays technology. Terry

 

If your old center pins were loose or stretched out, they would be allowing the individual leafs to slip around a little. This might cause more axle wrap(axle twisting the springs under power), which basically let's torque be transfered to the pavement less efficiently. With new center pins, you may have stiffened the spring packs up and caused a traction bar effect, less axle wrap.

You should have your rear end alignment checked if it's within your means. Why not? But I would think that if it were out a bit, you'd be getting that rear steer/crab walk effect.

 

Even if it was out of line it would not squeel the tires for nothing.All you need is a long piece of string to check the rear alignment.Stretch it long ways against the front and rear tires on one side,then the other side.You'll see instantly if something is wrong.