Front End Alignment

[mickey53usa]

Just got the Front end aligned over the weekend - This included steering box adjustment.
Vehicle has 22K miles - was done at a Freightliner shop - Mechanic stated that the steering gear box was adjusted to tight - took him a couple hours to get it loosened up and adjusted. Front end was way out of alignment. Stated that he set the front passenger wheel to roll "a little ahead" of the drivers wheel. He did this to conpensate for the crown in the road. Stated that it would not cause any tire wear and that it would track better.
Alignment = $150
Gear Box adjust = $85
Shims = $32
Taxes, shop supplies = $20
Now I have to get a chance to drive it and see how it feels - Oh, he does not recommend steering stabilizers - Stated that he charges $100 to install shocks - Might get that done next -
Thought you would all like to know -

[mickey53usa]

Just got the Front end aligned over the weekend - This included steering box adjustment.
Vehicle has 22K miles - was done at a Freightliner shop - Mechanic stated that the steering gear box was adjusted to tight - took him a couple hours to get it loosened up and adjusted. Front end was way out of alignment. Stated that he set the front passenger wheel to roll "a little ahead" of the drivers wheel. He did this to conpensate for the crown in the road. Stated that it would not cause any tire wear and that it would track better.
Alignment = $150
Gear Box adjust = $85
Shims = $32
Taxes, shop supplies = $20
Now I have to get a chance to drive it and see how it feels - Oh, he does not recommend steering stabilizers - Stated that he charges $100 to install shocks - Might get that done next -
Thought you would all like to know -

[Joe-K]

Thanks for posting the prices. Gives some other owners some idea of what to expect. When I had ours alligned a couple years ago, I recall the folks suggesting a slightly different setting for the two front wheels as well. Don't quote me on this, but I think they set a little more toe-in on the passenger side. Again, it was suggested to improve overall tracking.

[Teach]

Michael, thanks for the info. Please let us know your impressions after you've had a chance to drive it.

[mickey53usa]

Well, after driving it about 200 miles I can report some improvement.
Seems like it is not as twitchy as it was before. A minor turn of the steering wheel does not send it across the highway. Still seems to track the "ruts" in the the road. Can be going fine, then it is darting to one side or the other. Think I may still look into a steering stabilzer - don't know which one, the one from 3-T's looks good. Probably do their anti-roll kit.