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alignment problems with leveling kit????

SJP12

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SJP12 Enthusiast

SJP12

Posted
Posted

I've had the RC 2" leveling kit on my truck for about 1 year, its got about 12k miles on it...It seems to having a problem holding an aligment, I've had it in a shop (different shops) twice and its always has a toe problem.....Front tires are pointed toward the front license plate. Is this a common problem? i can see the problem on the front left more than the front right....left outside shoulder is nearly bald.

 

The truck is an 08 CC with 20's.

 

Any advice or information is appricated.

MikeNH Senior Enthusiast

MikeNH

Posted
Posted

The kit is extremely popular with members here (I can't lift mine- it barely fits into parking garages as it is) and that is the first I've heard of this. Are the techs checking tie rods and such?

BlackZ71Silverado Senior Enthusiast

BlackZ71Silverado

Posted
Posted

I have the RC 2" kit on both my trucks and have NEVER had any issues. If your tires are pointing the way you describe, the shop did not do a proper alignemtn OR you are in need of front end parts.

 

Sounds like you have a tie rod issue the way you describe it.

DaveH71 Enthusiast

DaveH71

Posted
Posted

That doesn't add up, the RC kit doesn't effect the tie rods at all. I would take it to a tire shop that specifically does alignments and knows what there doing. It sounds like there not tightening down the jam nuts on the tie rods, or they don't have the steering wheel straight when they adjust toe. Check the tie rod jam nuts to see if they are loose or not.

ruggedlife Enthusiast

ruggedlife

Posted
Posted

uh how are the roads in your area? and do you often curb check your tires pulling up to a house? or hit the curb stops in parking lots? there is no reason for it to come out alignment other than your driving habits (where you drive and how you drive)

KMGZ400 Senior Enthusiast

KMGZ400

Posted
Posted

how long are you going in between alignment.. depending on your driving it only takes 15,000 to 25,000 miles for you vehicle to get out of alignment. i need my truck aligned around every 20k

BlackZ71Silverado Senior Enthusiast

BlackZ71Silverado

Posted
Posted

That doesn't add up, the RC kit doesn't effect the tie rods at all. I would take it to a tire shop that specifically does alignments and knows what there doing. It sounds like there not tightening down the jam nuts on the tie rods, or they don't have the steering wheel straight when they adjust toe. Check the tie rod jam nuts to see if they are loose or not.

 

 

You are saying the same thing I am even though you claim my post doesn't "add up"......Sounds like a tie rod issue, and you agree. :thumbs:

SJP12 Enthusiast

SJP12

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for the information....I've had it aligned twice since I installed the leveling kit, once by just tires and they never really got it right and a second by an old school aligment shop that did it once then i took it back about 4 months later because it was pulling to the side. This place did the aligment with a tap messure and a line on the tire....no computers, I think they guy may have said the ball joint was wearing out on the driver side. My outer edge of the left front tire is wear way faster than the rest of the tire, but my truck drives strait, no pull and the front suspension sounds solid.

 

I;ve had the alignment done in the last 6 mths, or 6k miles

 

I also slow down from speed bumps and dont hit curbs. I'm from Southern CA (Los Angeles) so the roads are ok.

ruggedlife Enthusiast

ruggedlife

Posted
Posted

uh... you let someone align your truck with a tape measure and lines on tires? i hope you didn't pay for that... all i can say is *facepalm*

BlackZ71Silverado Senior Enthusiast

BlackZ71Silverado

Posted
Posted

You need to get that thing on a hunter and get it aligned right.

 

 

EXACTLY................

 

So you (OP) really did NOT have it aligned, ever that's the problem. You failed to mention that in th OP or we could of told you that was the issue from the start. Take the truck to an alignment shop that can put it up on the rack and do it properly. now wonder you are having issues. :banghead::banghead::banghead:

SJP12 Enthusiast

SJP12

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Ok, the place that did my aligement the last time does aliegments the way before the computers was invented...my discriptions sucks. They are a well respected shop....anyway, after I get my new tires I'll try someone else and explain my previous problems.

 

Thanks!

BlackZ71Silverado Senior Enthusiast

BlackZ71Silverado

Posted
Posted

Yes it used to be done tgat way. Far before the front suspension was as advanced as it is now. They are still in the stone age, they cost you a set of tires already and hopefully nothing else. Find a real alignment shop with the proper equipment.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone4S

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