Allignment Issues

[RahX]

Weight distribution. The lower side isn't braking harder, it just has more weight on it so it can brake more effectively than the higher side.

[RahX]

Originally Posted by shorod

The '96 Explorer has a solid rear axle with no adjustments/shims/camber kit capability, therefore no 4 wheel alignment. The best they could do is a thrust angle alignment.

-Rod

Correct, there is not an adjustment. But, if the axle isn't straight with the vehicle it will cause the thrust angle to be off center and cause a pull regardless. I'm not sure how old_master would recommend correcting this possible condition

[old_master]

Originally Posted by consultIII

why does a brake pull occur with ride height difference?

When there's a difference, (side to side) in front chassis ride height, there's a substantial weight shift which increases traction on the lower side and decreases it on the higher side. Also, the entire geometry of the front suspension and steering linkage changes which creates other handling and control issues. The main concern is that the steering linkage does not remain parallel with the ground which causes bump steer.

[old_master]

Originally Posted by RahX

Correct, there is not an adjustment. But, if the axle isn't straight with the vehicle it will cause the thrust angle to be off center and cause a pull regardless. I'm not sure how old_master would recommend correcting this possible condition

We've all followed a vehicle down the road that appears to be going almost sideways, it's caused by excessive thrust angle. Thrust angle is the angle created from the geometric centerline of the vehicle and the direction that the rear wheels are headed away from the centerline. In most cases the root cause of excessive thrust angle is from the axle housing shifting on its mounts due to rust or an accident. If the thrust angle is less than .25degrees, the drift, or pull, can be compensated for with camber and or caster adjustments. If it's greater than .25 degrees, a frame shop is usually involved to correct it.

[RahX]

Gotta love those late 70s-mid 80s Novas

[consultIII]

Originally Posted by shorod

The '96 Explorer has a solid rear axle with no adjustments/shims/camber kit capability, therefore no 4 wheel alignment. The best they could do is a thrust angle alignment.

-Rod

I agree. pretty much all pick-ups are that way but you should always have a 4 wheel alignment done. 2wheel alignment anymore are a no no. If only a two wheel is done you'll never know if the thrust angle is out and your steering wheel will be off-center (if the thurst angle is out) as the front toe will be set to the geometric centerline instead of the true thrustline.

even though there are no spec's for the rear the thrust angle should be under 0.3 degrees or you'll dogtrack.

[consultIII]

thanks old master for the info...your probably not old at all but rather a teenage super-genius!!

have made small corrections (when readings don't indicate bent axle) to the rear axle thrust angle by lifting the rearend by frame, loosing the u-bolts and pulling the axle with pullstraps to the angle i need then tighening the u-bolts.

cheap lift kits with blocks on the axle seem to always change the thrust angle.

[old_master]

Originally Posted by consultIII

thanks old master for the info...your probably not old at all but rather a teenage super-genius!!

have made small corrections (when readings don't indicate bent axle) to the rear axle thrust angle by lifting the rearend by frame, loosing the u-bolts and pulling the axle with pullstraps to the angle i need then tighening the u-bolts.

cheap lift kits with blocks on the axle seem to always change the thrust angle.

Haven't been a teenager in 30 some odd years, but thanks

By the procedure you described, you might be a "teenage super-genius" though Most techs don't bother taking the time to go the extra mile like that, keep up the good work.