[syclone?]

I installed a SOA kit and I noticed my front tires started to wear uneven. I tried adjusting the OTT steering but made it worse. Is there something else I can adjust to fix it. My local allignment shop was no help and failed to inform me of the problem when they 1st did the allignment after the lift.

[Mean Max]

Originally Posted by syclone?

I installed a SOA kit and I noticed my front tires started to wear uneven. I tried adjusting the OTT steering but made it worse. Is there something else I can adjust to fix it. My local allignment shop was no help and failed to inform me of the problem when they 1st did the allignment after the lift.

I'm at work, so your pics are blocked for me. What part of the OTT were you adjusting? The drag link (from pitman arm to RF tie rod) or the tie rod (going from L wheel to R wheel) when you adjusted it?

Adjusting the drag link will only affect the steering wheel alignment, meaning both wheels together at one time.

Adjusting the tie rod (ends) will affect toe in/out, meaning the relationship of the wheels/tires to each other.

I always do my own alignments. I take a small chunk of 2"X4" & drive a long nail through it. Then I lift the wheels (lifting on the axle housing) slightly off the ground & place the nail pretty close to the center of each front tire & barely touching the tread. Spinning the tire will leave a nice thin scribe mark in the tread all the way around the tire. I use this line to measure my toe in/out at the front & rear of the tires. I measure as close as I can (1/2 way up, right at the axle height) and make the front measurement just 1/16" to 1/8" less than the rear measurement.

[shaggyjim]

It kinda looks like your wheel bearing is shot.

[Mean Max]

Originally Posted by shaggyjim

It kinda looks like your wheel bearing is shot.

I hate not being able to see pics at work!

[leftlanetruckin]

if it isnt the wheel bearing, then you need to close your tie rod, a lot!
i run @1/8" more on the front than rear, when you measure the distance between the wheels at the front adn rear of the rim/tire.
check the bearings then tighten up that tie rod! if you run out of adjustment, then you will need to shorten the tie rod itself.
if an alignement shop didnt notice that, they need to get a new job!!!!!
martin

[syclone?]

I'm betting on the bearings being shot...I tried adjusting the tie rod with no success.
Thanks for the help guys.

[shaggyjim]

I would check your ball joints aswell.

[leftlanetruckin]

Originally Posted by syclone?

I'm betting on the bearings being shot...I tried adjusting the tie rod with no success.
Thanks for the help guys.

huh?
it didnt move it at all?
kinda lost me here, but if you think its the bearings, why try to adjust it at all?
oh well, check the bearings and go from there.
i personally doubt it would be the ball joints, they shouldnt allow it to move toe in and out like it is. if it is leaning in a lot at the top, then yes look at them very closely.
in fact, i think a very close look over everything may be in order, as you dont sound too confident in the wheel bearings. better safe than sorry me thinks!
keep us posted!
martin

[asbury]

looks like bad ball joint, i had a ford truck that done that and it was bad ball joints

[syclone?]

Originally Posted by asbury

looks like bad ball joint, i had a ford truck that done that and it was bad ball joints

The ball joint are new with less than 5k miles on them.

Is there a better than OEM replacement for the hub bearings? I found alot to choose from on ebay.

[shaggyjim]

Is it bad?

[dodger889]

Raise the front wheels of the ground. And start looking for play in the frontend. To check the hubs Push and pull at the top and bottom if you feel any movement. Then replace that side or sides. While it's up there id a great time to look at the tie rod ends check both sides look for any movement that isn't happening on the other side.
And one last thought you did use location pins on the springs?

[syclone?]

Originally Posted by shaggyjim

Is it bad?

I have not checked them yet. Due to my work/family schedule but I would rather replace them anyway. I forgot to mention 2 wheel studs broke on the driver side and since have replaced all of the studs with ARP's.
I sure miss driving it.

[syclone?]

I fixed it!
I had to shorten the tie rod a lot to fix the problem.
Thanks a bunch guys!