Alignment Problems

[1978steven]

Another buddy at work with truck problems!!!

It's a 2003 GMC Sierra Extened cab short bed 2wd with 5.3l automatic. He has a 6 inch RCD lift with 35 inch BFG's. He broke a right tie rod while off-roading, and has replaced it and aligned it several times. The problem is that the truck still pulls to the right and nobody at the different shops have been able to align the truck correctly. Tires, wheels, and frame were all checked and found to be in good conition.

Anybody have any clue as to what is causing the truck to still pull, and for the alignment to not come out right?

Thanks for the help,
Steven

[blown02]

some lifts cant align i know whiplash, full throttle kits dont align.

[1978steven]

The thing is everything was good untill he broke the tie rod, and now it won't align with the tie rod replaced.

I wonder if there might be a problem with the tie rod he put in there?

[blown02]

maybe?

[csherma1]

check the caster and camber specs
The toe could be fine but the 2 above could cause a pull
If the specs are even from side to side
cross rotate the tires from side to side
see if it pulls the other way
if is does - tire problem

[badseed91]

I used to deal with that kind of thing all the time. Have you checked the actuall control arm? The axle hubs at the wheels? The actual spindle it self? The pitman arm? The whole tie rod itself? Check the steering gear too because it might have some slack in it that causes the tires to misalign, The friction from the road tries to push the tires back making them want to pull in opposite directions. Try driving it in reverse to see if it still pulls. Also check to see if a brake caliper has locked up or is wont retract all the way back into the caliper. That happens alot especially on 4wds mainly dodges. These are just some of the things that one might not think to inspect. All of these things have caused me head aches in the past with problem 4wds. I had one where he ripped the frame where the steering box mounts. If he broke a tie rod he probably turned when he shouldnt have like in deep ass mud or caught a root in the mud. The main things are the brake calipers, steering gear, or the hub and spindle unit. If i had to guess its either the tie rod is bent or the brakes. However you should try rotating the tires first.

[1978steven]

Thanks everyone I'll give him this info and see what he can have done.

Thanks for the help,
Steven