I need to get my 1985 F-250 aligned-- I replaced all the inner and outer tie rod ends about six months ago, along with the adjustment sleeves. I did my best counting threads when reassembling, and came close, but not close enough. I did the work when my last set of tires had about 5/32 tread on them, and they wore a bit uneven by the time they were replaced. They wore even before I replaced the tie rods, so I suspect the toe is off a bit and now that I have new tires on, I want to get it aligned.
Places I've called (mostly chains) have suggested anything from a four wheel alignment, thrust angle alignment, to a simple front end alignment. This truck should only need a simple front end alignment, correct? It has a solid rear axle, but the infamous Ford IFS front axle from the 1980-1996 trucks. I don't think that changes things though, it should still be a front end only alignment, correct? What are they adjusting, all three parameters (caster/camber/toe) or just toe? I want to have as much info as possible when I bring it to get aligned, so they don't try to pull one over on me.
I took it to a chain a couple months ago, and they said the outer tie rod ends are bad because they were able to compress them with a set of pliers (the replacements are the old grease-zerk type, but so were the old ones). The outer tie rod ends were brand new, so I didn't buy that and simply took the truck home. I only put about 100 miles on it per month, so it wasn't a huge priority getting it aligned. Now I need to make a 1000 mile drive the weekend after next, so I need it aligned and need it done right so I don't screw up my new tires.
Anyone have any suggestions one how to get this done by a good shop, the right way, without spending a fortune? This is an easy truck to work on, and I used quality parts. No reason (to my knowledge) that it can't be aligned, but I want to be prepared for these shops trying to pull a fast one and selling me parts I don't need.
Places I've called (mostly chains) have suggested anything from a four wheel alignment, thrust angle alignment, to a simple front end alignment. This truck should only need a simple front end alignment, correct? It has a solid rear axle, but the infamous Ford IFS front axle from the 1980-1996 trucks. I don't think that changes things though, it should still be a front end only alignment, correct? What are they adjusting, all three parameters (caster/camber/toe) or just toe? I want to have as much info as possible when I bring it to get aligned, so they don't try to pull one over on me.
I took it to a chain a couple months ago, and they said the outer tie rod ends are bad because they were able to compress them with a set of pliers (the replacements are the old grease-zerk type, but so were the old ones). The outer tie rod ends were brand new, so I didn't buy that and simply took the truck home. I only put about 100 miles on it per month, so it wasn't a huge priority getting it aligned. Now I need to make a 1000 mile drive the weekend after next, so I need it aligned and need it done right so I don't screw up my new tires.
Anyone have any suggestions one how to get this done by a good shop, the right way, without spending a fortune? This is an easy truck to work on, and I used quality parts. No reason (to my knowledge) that it can't be aligned, but I want to be prepared for these shops trying to pull a fast one and selling me parts I don't need.