Front End Alignment

kwalsh · Post by **kwalsh** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 12:07 pm

I asked a local shop to align my front end because I noticed the truck was drifting a little. The shop told me that they wouldn't perform the alignment because my ball joints are loose. They are not shot, just loose.....

I could use some education on this one.

Thanks.

Post by **HenryJ** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:50 pm

Find another shop that will work with you and explain things.

They are right in that if the balljoints are loose that the alignment may be futile and it will continue to "drift" as the positions change. They may not be aware of the generous amount of "loose" that is permissible for the S-series. 1.25" at the wheel is quite a bit. That is 1/8". Quite a bit of slack. That is the maximum allowable.

If it is that or more then the balljoints do need to be replaced.
They should have told you which were "loose", or in need of replacement.

Snoman002 · Post by **Snoman002** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 4:17 pm

Plus if they are "loose" then they will need replacement soon, and that will mess up any alignment you just had done.

kwalsh · Post by **kwalsh** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 4:19 am

Thank you. I'll be replacing them in the spring.