Rear axle to front alignment methods - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Asshat · 01-22-2021, 04:36 AM

You guys know of a simple method to make sure the rear end is in line with the front? Wondering if there is some sort of method to check this? Maybe some sort of laser light that can be mount red on the front wheels? I don’t have any lumber long enough, so that’s out.

There’s gotta be a simpler way to do this, at least easier that taking it to a shop.

Rich84 · 01-22-2021, 11:02 AM

Can you use a tape measure to measure center to center?

Asshat · 01-22-2021, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich84

Can you use a tape measure to measure center to center?

I wanted to see if the wheels were in line, front to back.

ChevyRacefan · 01-22-2021, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asshat

I wanted to see if the wheels were in line, front to back.

The front track width is always wider than the rear, they are not going to line up front to back

**Steeveedee** · 01-22-2021, 12:17 PM

Do you have, or suspect a problem, or are you just curious?

Thrust angle can be checked with alignment tools. One thing you can do is measure all the trammel points to see if the frame is straight. Those numbers and the measuring process are in the service manual. If the frame isn't bent, your thrust angle should be in spec.

**Grumpy old man** · 01-22-2021, 12:49 PM

Use the string method to check alignment . No lasers , No expensive equipment , Just string .

https://www.google.com/search?q=stri...ye_QbijbCoBw17

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVForVF4gGA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYhpBouhikk

61_FL_Apache · 01-22-2021, 01:17 PM

triangulate from a center point up front. It worked for me on a small trailer I built.

weq92f · 01-22-2021, 06:22 PM

.

I've seen so many Chevy trucks going sideways in a straight line...One day ima make sure mine goes straight straight by having someone else drive the thing while I'm behind it in another vehicle! Don't know any other way.

-klb

**Sheepdip** · 01-22-2021, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weq92f

.

I've seen so many Chevy trucks going sideways in a straight line...One day ima make sure mine goes straight straight by having someone else drive the thing while I'm behind it in another vehicle! Don't know any other way.

-klb

Assuming the vehicle has not been wrecked and the frame bent...Just find a 4 wheel laser alignment shop, that will make it go straight down the road.

grumpyolddog · 01-22-2021, 09:06 PM

A simple test to see if the front wheels and the rear wheels are tracking the same, is to wet the pavement so the tires get wet. Drive through the water and on to dry pavement far enough so the rear tracks cover the front tracks. You can measure to make sure the rear tracks the same on both sides. Make sure all the the rims are the same back spacing.

Stormin08 · 01-25-2021, 07:57 AM

a few simple tricks...

like said,
Wet pavement
Dirt road
OR BEST YET>...CHALK thie tries and start rolling

once you decide if it needs it or how bad, all corners on stands at ride height (stands under suspension keeping it compressed)
run a string around all brake hubs or tires if same width...then you can measure the SAID gap points at each and go from there...very easy to do

01-22-2021, 04:36 AM	#1
Asshat Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: South Orange County CA Posts: 1,259	Rear axle to front alignment methods You guys know of a simple method to make sure the rear end is in line with the front? Wondering if there is some sort of method to check this? Maybe some sort of laser light that can be mount red on the front wheels? I don’t have any lumber long enough, so that’s out. There’s gotta be a simpler way to do this, at least easier that taking it to a shop. __________________ 1963 C20, small window, long bed 292, 4-speed

01-22-2021, 11:02 AM	#2
Rich84 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Woodbury, Ct. Posts: 1,663	Re: Rear axle to front alignment methods Can you use a tape measure to measure center to center?

01-22-2021, 12:17 PM	#5
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,088	Re: Rear axle to front alignment methods Do you have, or suspect a problem, or are you just curious? Thrust angle can be checked with alignment tools. One thing you can do is measure all the trammel points to see if the frame is straight. Those numbers and the measuring process are in the service manual. If the frame isn't bent, your thrust angle should be in spec. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

01-22-2021, 12:49 PM	#6
Grumpy old man Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Gods country East,Tn Posts: 8,545	Re: Rear axle to front alignment methods Use the string method to check alignment . No lasers , No expensive equipment , Just string . https://www.google.com/search?q=stri...ye_QbijbCoBw17 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVForVF4gGA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYhpBouhikk __________________ 1967 Factory short bed - Old school '71 - 350 / 4bolt / 487 heads / Edelbrock C3BX Muncie M-22 4 speed / Hurst Comp plus Factory 12 bolt posi 3.73 / 255-70-15 Smoothed firewall / Factory cowl induction Power disc brakes / power steering / 3.5-5" drop

01-22-2021, 01:17 PM	#7
61_FL_Apache Who Me? Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Royal Palm Beach, FL Posts: 4,065	Re: Rear axle to front alignment methods triangulate from a center point up front. It worked for me on a small trailer I built. __________________ Steve 1997 Tahoe LT 4D 2WD (DD) 1961 Apache 10 (sold) 1965 C10 Stepper (sold)

01-22-2021, 06:22 PM	#8
weq92f Registered User Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Dallas Texas Posts: 2,877	Re: Rear axle to front alignment methods . I've seen so many Chevy trucks going sideways in a straight line...One day ima make sure mine goes straight straight by having someone else drive the thing while I'm behind it in another vehicle! Don't know any other way. -klb __________________ 67 C10 fleet fuel injected '70 402, 700r4, 3.73 posi 07 335 sport turbo 6sp 94 Trans Am GT LT1 6sp posi -- sold after 22yrs 99 540 sport V8 6sp -- sold 73 240z L24 4sp -- given to friend 68 C10 step 350/350 3.73 open -- sold

01-22-2021, 09:06 PM	#10
grumpyolddog Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: StThomas Ont. Canada Posts: 95	Re: Rear axle to front alignment methods A simple test to see if the front wheels and the rear wheels are tracking the same, is to wet the pavement so the tires get wet. Drive through the water and on to dry pavement far enough so the rear tracks cover the front tracks. You can measure to make sure the rear tracks the same on both sides. Make sure all the the rims are the same back spacing.

01-25-2021, 07:57 AM	#11
Stormin08 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Moss Bluff, LA Posts: 381	Re: Rear axle to front alignment methods a few simple tricks... like said, Wet pavement Dirt road OR BEST YET>...CHALK thie tries and start rolling once you decide if it needs it or how bad, all corners on stands at ride height (stands under suspension keeping it compressed) run a string around all brake hubs or tires if same width...then you can measure the SAID gap points at each and go from there...very easy to do



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