Aligning front end

[mhtwin987]

I've got an '86 Ranger, 4x4 all stock

Please only reply if you have positive information to give. I don't want to hear whether or not I can do this or that I only need to take this to a shop. The guys at the shop had to learn it somewhere. Show me a person that was born knowing how to do anything and I'll find you a million dollars.

I'd like to get info about how to do a front end alignment and what tools are needed. I've looked around a bit and would really like to hear from someone that has personally done this to an '86 or close Ranger. Maybe you're an alignment specialist, perfect. Someone who can tell me the do's and dont's. Thank you in advance for any info.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Alignment.html

 

[john93rangerstx]

you have a alingment machine is the right way you could use a tape measure and go from tire to tire you would have to measure the frount of the tire and the back of the tire it will never be perfect but that the cheap man way or take it to some one for 89.99 or cheaper

 

[kcm1582]

Are you planning to drive this on road or off road? If it will see any serious mileage then you will want to get done professionally, your tires will thank you.

If it is an offroad rig then just getting it close should be good enough. These articles should help.

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/winter2008/steering_tech.htm
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Alignment.html

The guys in a shop learned to do alignments either in school or through a training program. They use a machine like this to do them.

 

[mhtwin987]

I appreciate all the info. I realize that specific machines and tools are needed. I work on my vehicles and build motorcycles because I love to do it.

I usually take the time to learn about something if I don't know how to do it. For instance, I didn't know how to change tires so I learned how and bought a tire changer, etc. I'm now learning everything I can about suspensions and how to do alignment so I'm going to buy whatever tools I need to do that. I guess I just like learning stuff plus don't like relying on other people to do it if I can do it myself.
Thanks again for the info.

 

[scotts90ranger]

a tape measure and a calibrated eye ball will do wonders for an alignment. That's what I've done for my Ranger, Explorer and my old Justy (actually never put a tape measure on that one, too much work to climb under the tiny thing). The ranger I did when I did the lift and D35 swap and it drives very straight other than the lack of caster, on the explorer I have just changed the radius arm bushings so it just needed toe help but it drives perfectly straight.

To measure toe, measure to the wheel lip not the tire