97 Tahoe Frontend knock out plugs

[61_FL_Apache]

Hello all.

I took my truck to get it aligned and they said I needed to replace the upper ball joints. He also said, if I have the upper arms out to knock out the plugs. I had the arms out several years ago to replace the bushings, but didn't know about these plugs. He said it would make it easier to align, but its been aligned a few times with no complaints from other shops.

In doing some research, I found this tool. OTC 7491C Upper Control Arm Knock-out Tool.

I wanted to find out if this is necessary.

[Palf70Step]

I never did it on any of mine, but never had any tire wear or alignment tracking issues. I have hear of folks using it to get more adjustments, but never needed it on my 1/2 ton models. I unbderstand it does give the ability to fine tune the alignment alot more.

[61_FL_Apache]

I have some tracking issues and slight tire wear. Its has been aligned in the past with no issues.

[Tx Firefighter]

No special tool needed for the knockouts really. I have done a lot of them and usually just use a prybar. Stick it in the slot and lever it sideways and it will snap them out. Once you remove the upper control arm you'll see what I'm talking about. The factory holes allow some adjustment but the knockouts allow full adjustment. The knockouts are already setup to be removed so it doesn't take much effort to snap them out of the holes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uu6P8aA5nk

[61_FL_Apache]

That makes it look easy!
Thanks Kevin

[crsgmc]

I have been down this road. Check out this thread including the last post that is mine.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799455

[61_FL_Apache]

Originally Posted by crsgmc

I have been down this road. Check out this thread including the last post that is mine.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799455

Thank you for that info. Looks like a project for next weekend!

[Tom]

Mod the suspension and you'll see why they made room for more adjustment.

[pwdcougar]

My 97 4wd has 140K miles and is on the original front end components and has never been aligned! No weird tire wear and tracks straight. Just starting to get a bit of play in the steering though.

[Just call me Sean]

Mine didn't have them. At least not on the drivers side.

[61_FL_Apache]

Originally Posted by Just call me Sean

Mine didn't have them. At least not on the drivers side.

Mine didnt either.. I only had the drivers side apart.

After looking at the situation, how can you make the cam adjustments if they are in there? When you rotate the cam, the bolt slides in that slot.

Anyway, off to the alignment shop tomorrow.

Thanks again for all the input!

[Just call me Sean]

I think they would be for assembly at the factory. That would be aligned or close when assembled.

[83GMCK2500]

Originally Posted by pwdcougar

My 97 4wd has 140K miles and is on the original front end components and has never been aligned! No weird tire wear and tracks straight. Just starting to get a bit of play in the steering though.

Yeah, I am at ~175k on original steering/suspension parts on my '97. I've got a box (almost a crate) of mevotech parts waiting to go on.

[Cautrell05]

Been doing alignments for 27 years. Any shop that says they aligned it with slugs still in only set toe. The very minimal amount of movement you get with them in is not enough to matter. The right way is to pull them. Besides, they drive better with camber closer to 0 anyway. Also, Drop toe down closer to 0.10 degrees.