When my alignment shop sets toe-in they set it by toe angle, because it is more accurate and easier for them to measure. You don't have to account for tire size when doing it this way.
When measuring toe-in, with a tape measure, you have to account for the size of the tire so you get the proper toe-in angle.
My Chilton manual says:
Years____________________Toe-in (Inches) ____________Toe-in(Degrees)
'80-'81 K30_______________ 0 +-1/8"__________________ 0+-1/4*
'82-'84 K30_______________ 3/16" +-1/8"_______________ 3/8 +- 1/4*
'85-'87 K30 V30___________ 0 +-1/8"___________________ 0 +-1/4*
To figure the toe-in measurement using degrees you use this formula: SIN .375*=X/tire diameter
X is the distance you set the toe.
So with 31" tires and a 3/8* toe adjustment the formula would look like this:
SIN .375 = .0065
.0065 X 31 = X
.2015" = X
To figure out what the toe-in measurement for your tire size should be just multiply your actual (measured) tire size by .0065.
So when you were setting the toe-in you would:
1: Put a mark on the center of the tread on each front tire, I use masking tape with a vertical pen mark on it .
2: Set the axle on jack stands with the front tires off the ground and the wheels straight ahead.
3: Measure from the ground to the center of the front hub.
4: Rotate one tire so the mark is at the front and the same distance from the ground as the hub was.
5: Do the same for the other tire.
6: Measure the distance between the marks.
7: Write this measurement down.
8: Rotate the marks to the rear and measure from the ground like you did in step 4.
9: Now repeat step 6.
The rear measurement (step 9) should be .2015" or a little more than 3/16" (.1875") longer than the front measurement (step 9).
If not adjust the tie rod adjuster and repeat steps 4-9.
I hope this helps someone, I know it may not help you because you are paying someone to do the work.
When the alignment shop does the alignment it will be correct no matter the tire size.
How long has the axle been sitting not used? Have you jacked the axle up to see if anything is loose? Tie rod ends, drag link ends, pitman arm, kingpins top and bottom, wheel bearings, leaf spring bolts, or u-bolts.
By putting the fender washers in all you are doing is increasing the spring pressure on the kingpin bushing. If the kingpin bushing or the bottom kingpin bearing is worn it will still let the knuckle move side to side on the kingpin no matter how much downward pressure you put on the bushing.
By putting more washers in the most you will do is make it steer harder and wear out the plastic bushings faster.
Mike
