Front end alignment ?

[acudanut]

I Am installing a "new front end". I can't remember if there ever was such a thing on M-151's ?
Thoughts ?

[m3a1]

Are you talking about alignment in terms of shims or alignment in terms of installing the entire assembly to the body?

[rickf]

I Am installing a "new front end". I can't remember if there ever was such a thing on M-151's ?
Thoughts ?

Am installing a "new front end".
Before I answer the question I have to ask one, If you are "installing a new front end and you can't remember if there ever was such a thing then what are you installing?

The answer to the question is Yes, there is a complete subassembly type "front end". Held on with four bolts.

[acudanut]

Ball joints, tie rods. The whole 9 yards.

[rickf]

Confused, Are you asking if the entire sub assembly can be replaced or if all of the separate parts of the suspension can be replaced? The answer is yes for both. And I will add one more goody, if you take out the sub assembly then you can drop the oil pan from the engine without removing the powerpack.

[m3a1]

Ah, I got it. Sounds as if you are replacing all the working bits. I think all the parts...basically everything is available. Ball joints couldn't be easier as they unbolt from the control arms. Ensure you are using the correct quality of fasteners and absolutely correct torque settings for such things if you replace them. There's a lot riding on em! (pun intended).

Cheers,
TJ

[Surveyor]

There is a front end "alinement." See TM 9-2320-218-20 (Sept 71) pages 2-192 & 2-193. Also in the May 82 version starting around Section 6-19. There may be even more detailed instructions in other manuals but I have not checked.

[Mark]

I changed my reply as I had a memory relapse, can't delete my answer

[raymond]

Do a search and I think that if using some NOS parts, some of the rubber boots can be a problem due to age. I think there is a recent thread on replacing some of the rubber boots for the steering components.

[acudanut]

Yes, all the working parts. Thanks guys. !!

[Rossco]

Hi all

Interesting this topic should come up right now as I was getting organised to check the front end alignment of my a2 while we are all in lockdown here in New Zealand with this Covid19 virus, - toe in camber etc

One question I have though does the rear end have "toe in" built in for the rear wheels? And if so what tolerances/range is acceptable? Using a laser level I have about 1/8 inch one side and about 3/16 on the other !
And yes I do understand the rear end on these trucks is fixed and not adjustable !

Rossco

[rickf]

I have never seen a spec but there should not be any toe in on the rear wheels. And from what you say you have 5/16" total toe on the rear! That would be far too much in the front let alone the rear. Something is bent or the bushings are gone completely. Front toe in should be in the vicinity or 1/16 to 1/8 total. I set mine at zero to preserve the tires but I don't drive long distances so I can live with a bit of wander. If I remember correctly I set my caster at 4 1/2 degrees. Been a looong time since I did all of that and I didn't have any specs when I did it. And the fancy laser alignment racks simply do not know what to do with the rear camber of an A1 so they go into spasms.

[acudanut]

Rick, I need to send you some pic's of my A2. The rear bows in like a older A1. Or so it seems. Hmm

[m3a1]

Could be your lower control arm hangers are reversed, R-to-L and L-to-R.

[Rossco]

Thanks Guys

Looks like I need to have a closer look at the rear end on my truck to see what is out of plumb!

M3a1
You mention the control arm hangers could be reversed L to R - R to L, these are the plates which are stamped A, B etc?

With plate "A" being the outer plate on the drivers side And "H" being the outer on the passengers side?

Rossco