1996 alignment plug removel help

[010175]

I took my 1996 Tahoe to the alignment shop today. I just bought the Tahoe 6 months ago with 171,000 miles. I wanted to get it alignment because the out side part of the tires (both) have been wearing. They told me that the alignment plugs had not been removed from the Tahoe yet and in order to align it they would have to be removed. It adds a $150.00 more to the alignment bill. Is this something I could do my self without a cutting torch or grinder. They said they might knot out or have to be ground out. Is the plug just on one side of the top frame bolt or do you have to remove the whole bolt? Do I need any special tools, like a coil spring compressor or any thing else. I did an auto body class for two years in 1970 and worked in a gas station back then but this plug thing is all new. How long should it take me to do the job? Thanks Dave

[localyokel]

Hi,I am brand new to this AF forum.I hope I can be of some help to you.This plug knockout is fairly simple,you do not necessarilly need any special tools(although there is a specialty tool specifically for plug removal)helpful but not necessary.2 or 4wd it basically the same process,the 4wd is much easier to access the cam bolts.An air hammer w/ long chisel is what I use to knockout plugs. Simply place jack under lower a frame and remove wheel. Remove the abs & brake lines from upper control arms and the leathery/rubbery splash guard from inner fender to access the cam bolts. Remove cam bolts (2wd remove threaded stud that holds abs line to frame,this is necessary to remove the forward cam bolt on the right side)the upper control arm will pull out of holders.Now you will see the plugs. Use long chisel to knock plugs loose,ussually they will not come completely out the first time,work it back and forth untill tab breaks free.If metal from tab is left remaining in the oblong hole grind or file it out untill hole matches oblong hole across from it.Reinstall cam bolts,make sure your cam bolts have full range of motion.Center cam position when tightening so your alignment wont be dramatically different from what it was.Reconnect everything and your part is done.For convienience of alignment tech leave off leathery/rubbery splashguard untill after alignment is performed.Good luck with this and congratulations!! You saved 150 bucks,thats a chunk of change.Also if its a 4wd check your ride height and adjust your torsion bars before you go back to the alignment shop,alot of times thats the whole reason you have alignment wear in first place.I know this was a bit wordy, hope this was helpfull.

[gera82]

can some body please tell how to remove the wheel knockout plugs and how they look like on my 99 gmc sub because i just haded done the alingment on the shop and it still pulling to one side so please somebody help me

[maxwedge]

Start a new thread, this is too old, thanks. Also post the readings off the printout for advice, this is not a job that can be done by a dyer without knowing what side needs alterations and how much.