CK5
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Good luck finding a "good" alignment shop..

That is for sure. The reason most shops will not take on an older vehicle for alignment is because the specs for older vehicles are not in the 4-wheel alignment machines software. In order to do an alignment on most shops alignment machine today the alignment specs have to be in the software. If the specs are not in the machines software it has to be loaded into the software, which can be done, but most mechanics are not tech savvy enough to know how to do it, thus they will just turn you down and say "NO"!
 
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Why worry? Half the fun is making it home alive.
The steering “issue” will just keep you on your game.
 
so my bro got back to me. The shop is Country Tire and Auto. 2317 Main St #2507 Ramona. I google mapped and looked at the pictures doesn't look like the shop I remember. Looks to me like a chain tire store now. Not sure about it now.
 
I've put 3 boxes on this truck. The latest box is a Redhead box. I've adjust other boxes and really only noticed the steering got "harder" and didn't really help anything. So with this more expensive Redhead box, they say they are adjusted to proper spec for your application and not recommend adjusting the preload. What do you think?
I learned not to trust anyone anymore so I wouldn't rule it out.
One way to check is to disconnect the box from the drag link and see how smooth it turns. You should be able to turn the steering shaft with your hands in the engine bay.
 
I have an old Motor's manual that shows how the spindles swing in an "arc" as viewed looking at them from the end where the hub bolts on--they do not just swing back and forth,the spindle (I think) is at its lowest point dead center,and as it turns,it raises up,this assists the caster to return the steering to straight ahead..and why you feel your truck lift up while turning the steering wheel sitting still..

Searching the web for an illustration proved fruitless,it'd be easier to understand if there was one..

If either spindle gets tweaked,it will no longer be correct and if the amount of "arc" between the two spindles is unequal it can cause poor return of the steering and probably also affects the ackerman effect and caster too..

I think many alignment shops here not only turn away customers with solid axle 4x4's due to them no longer being listed in their machines specs,they also probably assume the truck has been beat,and may have multiple issues like something bent,worn bushings in the suspension,etc,and they just assume not deal with the headaches or have the customer unhappy with the results if they did try aligning it..
 
Could be--I thought the Ackerman effect was the wheels not turning to the same angle during cornering,but its been some time since I did any reading up on front end alignment..I may be confusing that with "toe out on turns ?"..
 
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