Best Front Alignment Specs?

GMC_4x4 · February 21, 2009

I bought a GMC Sierra 4x4 x-cab Z71 a couple weeks ago. I've had other brands for several years, so it's a learning curve for me.

I love the truck, but the steering seems a little dead. I plan to get it aligned ASAP, but want to go into it informed.

So is the GM spec good to go, or are some there numbers I need to shoot for?

The reason I ask, on my last truck (Tundra 4x4), the factory specs were far from optimal and through a board such as this I found specs to make it better.

Like a custom tune for your steering I guess.

I know the default "alignment" is more of a check to see if it's close and good enough. If anyone has prefer specs I want to know and have a guy that will put it where I say.

FYI: My truck had stock tires, I just changed to stock sized BFG MT. This did not make it any different. Truck has 40K miles and was well cared for.

Just asking, thanks, Dale.

Zembonez · February 21, 2009

A good alignment tech can dial in some more feel to the settings. OEM specs are designed to make the truck drive as much like a Buick as humanly possible for all of those buyers who want to look like a "truck guy" but whine like babies if the truck drives like a truck. Those BFGs should have plenty of feel with the 3 ply sidewalls once the alignment is done. MTs don't corner worth a crap but normal driving should be pretty good.

I'd ask some 4x4 shops or find a hot rod shop in town and ask who does performance alignments. Stay away from typical big name tire sellers. They usually have the least qualified help. (not always of course)

jimbello · February 21, 2009

Not to sound dumb or anything but....there are different specs for a front end alighnment????????

I worked in a garage way back in the '70s and the thing that ya woried about was "caster/camber, Towin-towout"

I know vehicles are much MUCH different now I mean back then we still had points and condensors but I didnt realize that things changed that much. I would think ya just wanted to make sure the front wheels were straight and tru

Ow, what year GMC did ya buy?? my '08 chevy is so touchy that it took me a couple months to really get used to how responsive the slightest movement of the wheel makes the truck start to move. I was so used to my old '02 2500 that had a nice little dead spot at top dead cent that leaning to change the radio station or putting out a cig didnt make me start driffting into the next lane.

Zembonez · February 21, 2009

Not to sound dumb or anything but....there are different specs for a front end alighnment????????

I worked in a garage way back in the '70s and the thing that ya woried about was "caster/camber, Towin-towout"

I know vehicles are much MUCH different now I mean back then we still had points and condensors but I didnt realize that things changed that much. I would think ya just wanted to make sure the front wheels were straight and tru

Ow, what year GMC did ya buy?? my '08 chevy is so touchy that it took me a couple months to really get used to how responsive the slightest movement of the wheel makes the truck start to move. I was so used to my old '02 2500 that had a nice little dead spot at top dead cent that leaning to change the radio station or putting out a cig didnt make me start driffting into the next lane.

Dialing in more or less caster / camber has a profound effect on center feel and turn in. Problem is that the more "feel" you get, the more likely it is to want to follow ridges in the road. It's a trade off between tire wear, feel, and driveability. A good alignment tech can tune an alignment much like a pit crew does a race car.

GMC_4x4 · February 21, 2009

Sorry, mine is a 2004.

By different specs I mean on my Tundra it had a low factory spec for caster(0-1) and was much better with more (2+) caster. I just wondered if anyone had experimented with a truck like I have now. The steering seems too easy and could use a little more road feel, not sure if that can be changed. I know the MT tires are not for road racing.

Thanks for the replies.

Dale

GMC_4x4 · February 21, 2009

Not to sound dumb or anything but....there are different specs for a front end alighnment????????

I worked in a garage way back in the '70s and the thing that ya woried about was "caster/camber, Towin-towout"

I know vehicles are much MUCH different now I mean back then we still had points and condensors but I didnt realize that things changed that much. I would think ya just wanted to make sure the front wheels were straight and tru

Ow, what year GMC did ya buy?? my '08 chevy is so touchy that it took me a couple months to really get used to how responsive the slightest movement of the wheel makes the truck start to move. I was so used to my old '02 2500 that had a nice little dead spot at top dead cent that leaning to change the radio station or putting out a cig didnt make me start driffting into the next lane.

Dialing in more or less caster / camber has a profound effect on center feel and turn in. Problem is that the more "feel" you get, the more likely it is to want to follow ridges in the road. It's a trade off between tire wear, feel, and driveability. A good alignment tech can tune an alignment much like a pit crew does a race car.

You posted faster than me, yes that was exactly what I was asking. I don't know of any shops around me that are that knowledgeable, but hoped some on here had tried different settings and could post the actual specs that I could try.

Zembonez · February 21, 2009

My point wasn't to cut down the BFGs. I love BFGs and have had quite a few sets. Hope you get it solved!

GMC_4x4 · February 21, 2009

My point wasn't to cut down the BFGs. I love BFGs and have had quite a few sets. Hope you get it solved!

I didn't think that, I just wanted to point out that it was the same with the stock tires. Everything you posted confirms my feelings, I just need to get an idea where to go with the specs to get the feel I want.

Thanks

Dale

GMC_4x4 · February 25, 2009

I got it aligned today and told them my minor complaints and that I though more caster would help. Well I got more, not sure why they have the cross caster so much, but it doesn't pull. Actually there is not much difference, it is a slight improvement in the area I wanted, but nothing big. I guess these trucks are not real sensitive to small caster changes. Don't get me wrong, it drives great for a 4x4 truck, but I would have liked a little more road feel.

I'll attach the alignment print outs, before and after.