56 Ford F100 FRONT END ALIGNMENT

[LSJUNIPER]

How can I go about aligning the front end on my truck?? Was told it can be done at home in my garage. Figured that the people here at the Ford Barn would know how this can be done.
Thanks for any help...

 

[Bill Steiner]

You can only set the to in at home. It takes special equipment to bend the axle to do other setting. Bill

 

[LSJUNIPER]

OK, Do auto garages still do vehicles this old??

 

[Ole Don]

Look in the yellow pages for a heavy truck and bus spring and alignment shop. If you rebuilt the shackles, all you need is to set the toe like it says above. Measure the center of the tire half way up in front, then in the rear. You want the front to be 1/8 less. If you run radials, some cars want just a bit less.

 

[LSJUNIPER]

Thanks Ole Don for the info!!!!

 

[38 Conv]

Just got my 55 Ford pick-up front end alignment, balanced front tires local spring-suspension shop- $ 70.00 it is PERFECT-- do not waste your time and try to do it-- let the PROFESSIONALS do it and then it is done correct and SAFE-- good luck

 

[LSJUNIPER]

Thanks, And NICE!!! truck!!

 

[Dave72dt]

Front end alignment starts with tight suspension and steering components. All components front and rear and includes properly inflated and matched tires. Castor and camber are set by bending the front axle using hydraulic rams and the measuring equipment is specialized. Changing the ride height at either end will affect the steering geometry and just because all the parts are nice and tight like it was when new doesn't necessarily put it back in factory specs.