
Alignment & Adjustments
30
17730-241
AR2
™
40K • 46K
TO CHECK THE pINION ANgLE
1 . Use a work bay with a level floor .
2 . Relax the suspension by slowly moving the vehicle back and forth several times in a straight
line without using the brakes . This will slacken or loosen the suspension as the vehicle is posi-
tioned . End with all wheels positioned straight ahead . Roll to a stop without the brakes being
applied .
dO NOT
set the parking brake .
3 . Chock the front wheels of the vehicle .
4 . Verify vehicle is at the proper ride height (see Ride Height in this section) .
5 . Place a digital protractor on the axle housing as shown in Figure 7-4 .
6 . Check to see if the pinion angle is correct per the vehicle manufacturer’s specified range .
7 . If necessary, add / remove shims at the longitudinal torque rod connections as required to
achieve the proper pinion angle .
8 . When the pinion angle is correct tighten all fasteners to the proper torque specifications per
the vehicle manufacturer and recheck the pinion angles .
9 . Remove wheel chocks .
dRIVE AxLE ALIgNMENT
NOTE
Drive axle alignment with suspensions equipped with adapter style beam or non-shim style end
connections
ARE NOT
adjustable .
Computerized alignment equipment is the preferred method of measuring alignment . To calculate
the shim thickness required, the target offset must be converted to thrust angle, see alignment
equipment manufacturer for procedures . If, however, computerized axle alignment equipment is
not available refer to the following Inspection in this section .
Proper alignment is essential for maximum ride quality, performance, and tire service life . The fol-
lowing recommended alignment procedure as described below, should be performed if excessive
or irregular tire wear is observed .
NOTE
Proper vehicle alignment can only be achieved when all axles are aligned to the vehicle’s center-
line and the steering axle’s caster, camber and toe-in settings are within specifications .
FIguRE 7‑5
INSpECTION
1 . Use a work bay with a level, flat surface .
2 . Relax the suspension by slowly mov-
ing the vehicle back and forth several
times in a straight line . This will slacken
or loosen the suspension as the vehicle
is positioned . End with all wheels posi-
tioned straight ahead .
3 .
dO NOT
set the parking brake . Chock
the front wheels of the vehicle .
4 . Verify and maintain the air system at
full operating pressure .
5 . Verify all suspension components are
in good condition . Repair or replace
any worn or damaged suspension
components before proceeding with
the alignment process .