98 Jimmy 4x4 Alignment question

[error_505]

Would I have something on my front end called "knock outs"? The alignment shop said I might and it cost 35$ extra per knock out and there are supposedly 4 of them.

THanks

[old_master]

Nope, not equipped. Your alignment shop should know that. Camber and caster are adjusted with eccentric cams on the upper control arms. All GM T body, (4WD) are readily adjustable from the factory. Only some of the full size GM trucks have the knock outs, and yes, they have 4 knockouts per vehicle.

[error_505]

Thank you very much. eased my mind a bit.....lol 140$ wasnt feeling good to me after 600$ worth of front end replacements. Thanks again!!

[old_master]

Make sure they check, and adjust if necessary, the front ride height BEFORE they align it. Camber is zero degrees, Caster is 2 degrees positive, and toe is zero to 1/16" positive. If you have them adjust it to those specs it will handle very nicely.

[error_505]

will this correct my steering wheel also. it is close to half a turn tot he right off. the airbag is up and down instead of across. this is what we replaced....

new idler arm(P), ball joint(D), wheel bearing assembly(P), pitman arm

[old_master]

The idler arm is attached to the frame with two bolts, the holes in the idler arm are slightly larger than the bolts, this is where the idler arm is adjusted. Here is how to check and adjust: Turn the wheels straight ahead, (not the steering wheel). At each end of the center link, carefully measure the distance up to the frame. The measurement must be the same at each end. If it needs adjustment, loosen the idler arm attaching bolts and move the center link up or down, then retorque the bolts. If the distance is not equal side to side, it will cause "bump steer" while driving, it will also cause the steering wheel to be off center, as yours is. Take care of this BEFORE the alignment as it does affect toe. The alignment will straighten the steering wheel.

[error_505]

so i need to adjust this before i go, correct? also what is bump steer? is that where it seems to release and catch? thanks for your help. im not good with this front end stuff.

[old_master]

..."so i need to adjust this before i go, correct?"... Yes, check and adjust BEFORE the alignment.

Bump steer is the tendency to veer or swerve to one side when hitting a bump or dip in the road. It’s caused by uneven toe changes that occur as a result of the steering linkage not being parallel with the road surface. Most noticeable on a curve but in extreme cases you can also notice it while driving straight.

[error_505]

well i was gonna try to do as you asked but i have yet another problem..........the drivers side will be striaght and the passenger side looks like its turned to the right. it is very very noticable.

[old_master]

That's why your steering wheel is off! Have you replaced any tie rod ends? If not, adjusting the idler arm will help.

[error_505]

As far as I can tell my tie rods are good. I do leave the truck on the ground right??

im sorry i keep bothering you but i do thank you

[old_master]

If tie rods were not replaced, and the steering wheel was straight before the idler arm was replaced, adjusting the idler arm will straighten the wheel. It doesn't matter if you jack it up or not, the center link always remains the same distance from the frame, unless you turn the wheel. The main thing is to keep the center link centered between the frame rails during adjustment and measuring.