Alignment Shop?

TomH · 08-01-2008, 10:05 AM

Any recommendation on an alignment shop that can handle D60's F&R?
My usual shop that handles the DD suggested going to Bethel Frame & Wheel Alignment.

Being in Anderson, that's an easy choice, but I was sondering if anyone here had any experience with 'em.

Thanks!
TomH

blazerbrad · 08-01-2008, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomH

Any recommendation on an alignment shop that can handle D60's F&R?

I don't understand why you need a special shop, not like there weren't thousands of vehicles that rolled off the dealer lot with D60's on them.

TomH · 08-01-2008, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blazerbrad

I don't understand why you need a special shop, not like there weren't thousands of vehicles that rolled off the dealer lot with D60's on them.

I didn't get it either. Perhaps it's related to the 37" rubber or the 4-link, but their answer was "No can do, we don't have the right adapters"

kb9qdi · 08-01-2008, 11:17 AM

Adapters for your wheels is the only thing possible for the alignment heads. Some beadlock rims/large rims with little or no lip make it tuff for some heads to hook up correctly without adapters.

What type of rear end you have makes zero diffrence. I've never used Bethel Frame & Wheel Alignment but I'm sure they can do it. I use my shop in Lawrenceburg or Harrison Frame and Axle in Harrison,Ohio.

blazerbrad · 08-01-2008, 11:39 AM

If it's the wheels causing a problem, then just see if you can borrow a set of stockers for the alignment.

tinbeater · 08-02-2008, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomH

Any recommendation on an alignment shop that can handle D60's F&R?
My usual shop that handles the DD suggested going to Bethel Frame & Wheel Alignment.

Being in Anderson, that's an easy choice, but I was sondering if anyone here had any experience with 'em.

Thanks!
TomH

Greg or Babe at bethel Wheel and frame wont have a proplem with it.
I have know them all of my life and they are good people to deal with.

xj-up · 08-02-2008, 12:58 AM

How heavy is the vehicle. I had a problem finding someone to do my dually. They said it was to heavy for their alignment lift.

kb9qdi · 08-02-2008, 01:07 AM

^^^Sometimes thats true. I can lift up to about 8K on our rack's and if that dosen't work we have a pit rack that will do anything...eg semi's,Motor Homes etc.

Not all racks are the same as far as GVW goes either.

TomH · 08-02-2008, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinbeater

Greg or Babe at bethel Wheel and frame wont have a proplem with it.
I have know them all of my life and they are good people to deal with.

Perfect!

Thanks.

MrShoeBoy · 08-02-2008, 10:01 AM

Bust out a tape measure and angle finder and do it yourself. I ran into the same issue about 6 months ago when I tried to find a place to align my truck. Apparently a custom built 4 link in the rear and 3 link up front are too much for alignment shops to handle even though theres more adjustibility and its easier to do than factory origional

I ended up doing my own and I have no issues running down the road at highway speeds. If you would like help just let me know.

AARON

TomH · 08-02-2008, 11:08 AM

Mr ShoeBoy,

I used plumb bobs and a tape measure to get close, but the steering is still real "busy" and needs a lot of attention while driving. I suspect that it's either not square or I'm off on the caster/toe "balance."

That being said, I'm planning on letting a shop get it on a frame table to get it right and then I can take measurements back at my place for keeping it in (returning it to) spec with the tape/angle finder. (I also agree about the adjustability of a 4-link, but I need a good starting point.) I'm also figuring that a reputable shop gives me a second set of (trained) eyes to validate my steering set-up.

Thanks.

MrShoeBoy · 08-02-2008, 09:35 PM

No problem TomH.

What tire size are you running?

I have found that the bigger tire size less caster can be used. Typical caster is between 5 and 7 degrees. Toe in is anywhere from 0 or 1/16 to as much as 3/16.

When I had 33s I had 6 deg caster and 1/8" toe in and it drove great. After going to 35s the same alignment specs didnt work out. I am now running 4 deg caster and 1/16 toe in and its great going down the highway. If you cant find a shop to do it, try tweaking with the caster and see what happens.

Good Luck,

AARON

TomH · 08-08-2008, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinbeater

Greg or Babe at bethel Wheel and frame wont have a proplem with it.
I have know them all of my life and they are good people to deal with.

Got it done today and they did good! (Nice to be in a shop where they give a damn!)

08-01-2008, 10:05 AM	#1
TomH Gearhead Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Anderson Posts: 95	Alignment Shop? Any recommendation on an alignment shop that can handle D60's F&R? My usual shop that handles the DD suggested going to Bethel Frame & Wheel Alignment. Being in Anderson, that's an easy choice, but I was sondering if anyone here had any experience with 'em. Thanks! TomH

08-02-2008, 12:58 AM	#7
xj-up Jeep XJ Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Hamilton, Ohio Posts: 76	How heavy is the vehicle. I had a problem finding someone to do my dually. They said it was to heavy for their alignment lift. __________________ 90' Jeep XJ Buggy - 5.5 custom lift, 33" TSL's, locked 01' Softail 01' Dodge Ram Cummins 3500 4X4 71' Dodge Challenger Shane

08-02-2008, 10:01 AM	#10
MrShoeBoy Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 120	Bust out a tape measure and angle finder and do it yourself. I ran into the same issue about 6 months ago when I tried to find a place to align my truck. Apparently a custom built 4 link in the rear and 3 link up front are too much for alignment shops to handle even though theres more adjustibility and its easier to do than factory origional I ended up doing my own and I have no issues running down the road at highway speeds. If you would like help just let me know. AARON __________________ 91 MJ Under construction

08-02-2008, 09:35 PM	#12
MrShoeBoy Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 120	No problem TomH. What tire size are you running? I have found that the bigger tire size less caster can be used. Typical caster is between 5 and 7 degrees. Toe in is anywhere from 0 or 1/16 to as much as 3/16. When I had 33s I had 6 deg caster and 1/8" toe in and it drove great. After going to 35s the same alignment specs didnt work out. I am now running 4 deg caster and 1/16 toe in and its great going down the highway. If you cant find a shop to do it, try tweaking with the caster and see what happens. Good Luck, AARON __________________ 91 MJ Under construction

08-01-2008, 11:17 AM	#4
kb9qdi Storm Chaser Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Harrison,Ohio Posts: 142	Adapters for your wheels is the only thing possible for the alignment heads. Some beadlock rims/large rims with little or no lip make it tuff for some heads to hook up correctly without adapters. What type of rear end you have makes zero diffrence. I've never used Bethel Frame & Wheel Alignment but I'm sure they can do it. I use my shop in Lawrenceburg or Harrison Frame and Axle in Harrison,Ohio.

08-01-2008, 11:39 AM	#5
blazerbrad - CORE Member - Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 831 Images: 6	If it's the wheels causing a problem, then just see if you can borrow a set of stockers for the alignment.

08-02-2008, 01:07 AM	#8
kb9qdi Storm Chaser Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Harrison,Ohio Posts: 142	^^^Sometimes thats true. I can lift up to about 8K on our rack's and if that dosen't work we have a pit rack that will do anything...eg semi's,Motor Homes etc. Not all racks are the same as far as GVW goes either.

08-02-2008, 11:08 AM	#11
TomH Gearhead Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Anderson Posts: 95	Mr ShoeBoy, I used plumb bobs and a tape measure to get close, but the steering is still real "busy" and needs a lot of attention while driving. I suspect that it's either not square or I'm off on the caster/toe "balance." That being said, I'm planning on letting a shop get it on a frame table to get it right and then I can take measurements back at my place for keeping it in (returning it to) spec with the tape/angle finder. (I also agree about the adjustability of a 4-link, but I need a good starting point.) I'm also figuring that a reputable shop gives me a second set of (trained) eyes to validate my steering set-up. Thanks.