Alignment Question

[CUDA JAS]

Hey guys...quick question on alignments.

After installing a rebuilt steering box in my Cuda, the steering wheel is off center (makes sense I guess).

I figure I could just adjust the toe, and get the wheel back to center.  I know the toe may not be perfect, but I should be able to get it close.

Will adjusting the to have any impact on the rest of the alignment?  I would think no, but thought I would check.

Thanks,

Jason

[dodj]

I would say no.

[crash340]

cant remember if you installed fast ratio arms or not, if you search on here I had "issues" afte installing FR arms ( I think they are C body style now days) with alignment of steering wheel and so on, turns out the FR pitman arm splines are cut clocked half a spline out for an E Body. So, that puts your steering wheel about a 1/4 turn out roughly if you tie rod ends are adjusted equaly, most people simply have one tie rod short, one long and call it done provided toe is set etc. I couldnt handle that in my mind, I had to have equal length tie rod ends, and a steering wheel clocked correctly on the master spline of the steering box. So, I shimmed the steering box, rotated it on the output shaft axis toward the engine, this sorted the problem out for me, it also put the steering column dead smack in the middle of the hole in the firewall so everything lined up perfectly, Im much happier in my mind now

[Chryco Psycho]

if you rotate both sides exactly equal amounts even the toe will not change

[YellowThumper]

if you rotate both sides exactly equal amounts even the toe will not change

This/\/\/\

[CUDA JAS]

if you rotate both sides exactly equal amounts even the toe will not change

Yep that is my plan!!!

cant remember if you installed fast ratio arms or not, if you search on here I had "issues" afte installing FR arms ( I think they are C body style now days) with alignment of steering wheel and so on, turns out the FR pitman arm splines are cut clocked half a spline out for an E Body. So, that puts your steering wheel about a 1/4 turn out roughly if you tie rod ends are adjusted equaly, most people simply have one tie rod short, one long and call it done provided toe is set etc. I couldnt handle that in my mind, I had to have equal length tie rod ends, and a steering wheel clocked correctly on the master spline of the steering box. So, I shimmed the steering box, rotated it on the output shaft axis toward the engine, this sorted the problem out for me, it also put the steering column dead smack in the middle of the hole in the firewall so everything lined up perfectly, Im much happier in my mind now

No fast ratio for me...stock replacements.

I can live with the tie rods being different lengths...the steering wheel off center, not so much.

Jason

[crash340]

ok cool, then just wind one side in a turn, the other out a turn until your wheel is straight up TDC

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Typically the proper sequence for an alignment is Caster > Camber > Toe. If you are just adjusting Toe, you shouldn't need to revisit Caster or Camber.

[CUDA JAS]

Typically the proper sequence for an alignment is Caster > Camber > Toe. If you are just adjusting Toe, you shouldn't need to revisit Caster or Camber.

Thanks fellas.

Finally found some time to adjust the tie rods...went for a spin and the wheel is much straighter now.  No other issues.

Jason

[blown motor]

  No other issues.

Jason

  You just wait!

[CUDA JAS]

You just wait!

Hey don't jinx it!!