Alignment "issue"

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DodgeDrew71

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Dropped truck 2" up front with coils.
Installed new controls up top (SO easy compared to cutting out the ball joints.) and cut off and installed new ball joints on bottom. Also installed new hub/bearing assemblies.

Took into Firestone to get their lifetime alignment.
Travels down road like a charm, and feels so much better.

However they couldn't get the camber within spec. Said they were at max.
(Left) -0.4 (Right) -2.0
I can live with the -.4, but man that -2.0 is much different.

I'm going to stick my head under there tonight and give a look myself.
But curious if anyone else has run into anything like this and found a solution.

Thanks
 

tommyboi87

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Same problem I'm having maxed out caster and camber. Not really sure what else would help.

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DodgeDrew71

DodgeDrew71

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You need to elongate the holes so it can be aligned properly.

I thought the same thing when I took a look the other day.
In a couple weeks I'm installing a new steering box and pump. So will elongate the holes and then take it in for another alignment. (glad I got the lifetime warranty at Firestone.) Should be good to go after that. :)
Thank you for the response.
 
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DodgeDrew71

DodgeDrew71

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is that lifetime warranty when you mod something?

Yes, I asked that same question to them. I got the alignment after I installed the lowering coils and they noted it as well. So the initial alignment was when it was already lowered. I asked about when I do work on it and how that works--i.e. the Steering box and tie rods. They said I'm good and to bring it in to have an alignment. (Better for the $200 I paid--versus the $90 if I had just a basic warranted alignment.)
I know the guy's name who I spoke to (Drew just like me) so if anything comes up I'll be pushing the topic. But not too worried, been there twice and they are a good store.
I don't think they'll notice the bit of filing/drilling I will do.
 
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DodgeDrew71

DodgeDrew71

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I looked local & they don't do that here - bummer.

Well finally got around to getting some things done on the truck this weekend. Took off the upper control arm on the pass side and lengthen the slot for adjustment. Took it into Firestone and now instead of a -2.0 camber I'm down to -1.0 -- guess I need to work on it a little more. :p
they didn't give me any issues and said for all they care I could bring it back tomorrow and have them do it again since I have the lifetime warranty. :) Definitely worth the $.
 

tommyboi87

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So opening the holes helped that much huh? Think you can post a pic of how much you open them all together?

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DodgeDrew71

DodgeDrew71

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So opening the holes helped that much huh? Think you can post a pic of how much you open them all together?

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Sure, it'll probably be a couple weeks before I get back to it.
But I can tell you I lengthened the slots more than a 1/8" but less than 1/4" (toward to tire) I didn't take a hard measurement with calipers prior, wish I had now, but I didn't want to over do it, so will take a crack at it again and head back to firestone.
I'm going to lengthen it about 1/8" more and see if that will get me to zero camber. But a little negative isn't bad, but -2.0 was too much for a street use truck. (would like to get it between -0.25 to 0.00)
 

tommyboi87

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So about 3/16 in so far? Mine was about as bad as yours. Might have a little weekend project now.

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DodgeDrew71

DodgeDrew71

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So about 3/16 in so far? Mine was about as bad as yours. Might have a little weekend project now.

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Yeah I'd say 3/16" is about right.
I actually just took a permanent marker and made equal markings of where to remove material and went at it. BTW-- I used a step bit to do it and it made it easier than with a drill bit.
SureBilt/3 pcs. step drill set 82032 at AutoZone.com\\
But I bet if you had the right grinding stone a dermal may work.
 

tommyboi87

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Yeah I'd say 3/16" is about right.
I actually just took a permanent marker and made equal markings of where to remove material and went at it. BTW-- I used a step bit to do it and it made it easier than with a drill bit.
SureBilt/3 pcs. step drill set 82032 at AutoZone.com\\
But I bet if you had the right grinding stone a dermal may work.
Ok, so this is probably the dumbest question I've asked to date. What holes did you lengthen? Took my control arms off, and couldn't figure out what to expand.

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tommyboi87

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That's what I thought. I just didn't want to start cutting blind like a b ******** lol

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HeavyD

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is that all springs or ?
did you install a drop knuckle?

I did 2 3/4" springs & I had to make camber plates due to not enough length in slots & it also helped the a-arm angle.
 
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