Front wheel alignment question

1941 - 1945, MB, GPW Technical questions and discussions, regarding anything related to the WWII jeep.
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1000sunlight
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Front wheel alignment question

Post by 1000sunlight » Wed Mar 01, 2023 12:07 am

Hi what is the definitive figure for front wheel tracking - the manual diagram shows 1/16” toe in each wheel but measured across the tyre wall, the text says 3/64-3/32 - which doesn’t figure with the diagram !!!

It’s also not clear where this dimension is taken from but it appears to be ‘just back’ the front tyre edge (??) and would obviously be totally different if taken from an inch or two either side. I don’t think a straight edge works anyway in practice because the hub grease cap is in the way.

So what should it be, ideally from the rim and not tyre tread, or from some clearly defined point. A modern way would be in degrees!!


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dpcd67
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Re: Front wheel alignment question

Post by dpcd67 » Wed Mar 01, 2023 7:05 am

Measure on the tires; it is not rocket surgery; just get it so the tires don't wobble, which they will do if you have any toe out. The rod and chain tool would be best, but I don't use one either. Ain't had a problem in many jeeps. I measure on the tires, front and back, and as long as it is less than 1/8ths toe in; call it good.
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1000sunlight
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Re: Front wheel alignment question

Post by 1000sunlight » Wed Mar 01, 2023 9:59 pm

1/8” = 15 miniutes toe in for those wanting to use technology for wheel alignment. Not much at all.

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Re: Front wheel alignment question

Post by 1000sunlight » Mon Mar 13, 2023 2:39 am

Just picked this up - old school wheel alignment gauge. Ultra quick to get it spot on. When I’m done it might be available.
71117180-41F4-45B1-8137-0179194A192D.jpeg

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JAB
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Re: Front wheel alignment question

Post by JAB » Fri Mar 17, 2023 4:07 am

1000sunlight wrote:
Mon Mar 13, 2023 2:39 am
Just picked this up - old school wheel alignment gauge. Ultra quick to get it spot on. When I’m done it might be available.

71117180-41F4-45B1-8137-0179194A192D.jpeg
Could you please demonstrate how it works? Thanx!
-Jeff

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Image

Image

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Rebel Walker
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Re: Front wheel alignment question

Post by Rebel Walker » Fri Mar 17, 2023 5:14 am

Measure rear then front.

Things is to get things right.
1. Steering box is centred (always the tightest spot) & the drop arm is fitted, so full movement either way is good.
2. When 1 is done properly & the drag link fitted, the bell crank will be parallel to & @ 90* to the axle.
3. The 2 tie rods are fitted so as to be lr & lr or rl & rl threads from the bell crank, so turning either tie rod adjusts the same way in & out.
4. Ensure when starting this toe adjustment that equal tie rod end threads are exposed on each tie rod. Should be the same equal lengths when finished.
After 1, hold the steering wheel so it won't move & if it is not centred, remove before staring adjustment & respline so it is correct.

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JAB
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Re: Front wheel alignment question

Post by JAB » Fri Mar 17, 2023 6:23 am

This is how I've done it, but instead of a board that can warp I use a piece of 3/4" conduit.

Image

I assume the jig (in 1000sunlight's post a couple above this) is used for this measurement (pictured below). A somewhat similar gauge, with instructions are on page 86 of TM9-1803B http://jeepdraw.com/images/TM9-1803B.pdf but I haven't found a digital version that I can copy and post yet.
Image

I haven't seen a big difference in tire wear on my jeep, front to rear, and handlng has been fine. On pavement, we're basically driving on bald tires as the real ground contact is mainly on the solid center part of the tire pattern rather than the lugs on NDT's.
-Jeff

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Ron D
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Re: Front wheel alignment question

Post by Ron D » Mon Mar 20, 2023 10:23 am

That old-school telescoping toe gauge 41-G-510 shown in the manual is still made today.
A nice, simple tool, and made in the U.S.A.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sps-99361

Instructional video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bcra_qYsJ6g
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JAB
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Re: Front wheel alignment question

Post by JAB » Mon Mar 20, 2023 12:07 pm

Ron D wrote:
Mon Mar 20, 2023 10:23 am
That old-school telescoping toe gauge 41-G-510 shown in the manual is still made today.
A nice, simple tool, and made in the U.S.A.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sps-99361

Instructional video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bcra_qYsJ6g
Well how cool is that! And the instructions are virtually the same as written in our manual too! (but much easier to understand with a video!)
-Jeff

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1000sunlight
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Re: Front wheel alignment question

Post by 1000sunlight » Wed Jun 28, 2023 12:36 pm

JAB wrote:
Fri Mar 17, 2023 4:07 am
1000sunlight wrote:
Mon Mar 13, 2023 2:39 am
Just picked this up - old school wheel alignment gauge. Ultra quick to get it spot on. When I’m done it might be available.

71117180-41F4-45B1-8137-0179194A192D.jpeg
Could you please demonstrate how it works? Thanx!

Sorry for the late reply. It’s simple just set it up across the rear of the front tyres, adjust pointer to touch the tyres level with the centre of the wheel. Tighten everything.
Move the whole lot to the front of the front wheels in a corresponding position and not the gap between the pointers and tyres. Mine needed 1/16th inch adjustment.

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dpcd67
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Re: Front wheel alignment question

Post by dpcd67 » Wed Jun 28, 2023 1:54 pm

I just use a tape measure; measure the front side to side of the tire, then the rear; difference has to be 1/8th inch less at the front. It ain't a rocket ship.
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