ALIGNING A LIFTED TRUCK AND ADDING PPE HD TIE ROD ENDS

[@dennisrandall8040]

Got my 2” open ended wrench from tractor supply. Bought a set that included one for my steering gear box to pitman arm nut. $80 for 6 wrenches. Killer deal

[@briancrichfield2917]

Awesome explanation of what an alignment actually is and what a tech does to get it right. And by the way, those tie rods are awesome No sissy parts there. Keep the great material coming it is appreciated

[@workingtorelax1223]

Very cool. I had seen how to do an alignment back in my college days working at a Firestone on them old school racks. That one is very nice. Those tie rod I would think would never were out as big as they are.

[@Andrew_Venn]

I died laughing expecting the boop boop boop, then was shot down by the conformation sound lol. And now that I finished watching, I always redo my caster swing after I'm done to verify, then drive. But it's just for my piece of mind.

[@RustbeltMechanic]

I agree... reverifying caster is always a good idea especially after adjusting caster and/or camber. If you don’t, the customers print out will also never come out looking right. I actually did this...just my dumb self forgot to hit record during that one 😑

[@aaronduncan734]

I’m having the exact same issues where I have a very slight toe out with the tie rods threaded all the way. I plan on going from a 3/4” jam nut to a 3/8” jam nut and this should solve my issue but is it bad to have the tie rods threaded all the way in? If so I’ll end up chopping a bit off of mine as well.

[@mattbrennan8088]

that machine is so much better than the ones I used years ago

[@scuba422123]

clean and green specs! a lot of shops give hack alignments or a toe and go only

[@devoncoolman88]

I put the cogneto tie rod kit on my duramax. I don’t recall the ppe kit being out yet. Was quite some time ago. Just didn’t like the tie rod sleeve idea. The joints on the factory tie rods are still tiny and a possible failure point. So I went with the cogneto kit. They are very similar to yours. Very large and were pretty cost effective. Been on the truck 5 years now no issues. I drive this truck everyday. 70,000 miles on them.

[@JRC54]

Love those Hunter machines. Trucks looking awesome man👍. I jumped @ the wrench slip when you were adjusting the camber eccentric.

[@RustbeltMechanic]

It made me jump too as I thought my $700 camera was about to hit the floor lol

[@Robot0Ninja]

Me too. When i worked at 4 wheel parts this is what we had (Hawkeye elite). My new shop has an older Hawkeye that sucks and takes forever to set up.

[@jjrock5]

Took my 2000 Silverado 1500 in for an alignment after I installed a Rough Country leveling kit 2-3” lift. The shop guy told me when he put the steering wheel straight to conduct the alignment, he had no more thread left on the tie rods for adjustment. What he ended up giving me back is a truck that almost goes straight (steers to the left just slightly) and the steering wheel is about 45 degrees turned to the right as the truck is going straight forward. Yes, you heard that right, 45 degrees! He told me someone must’ve unhooked the steering shaft from the steering box and not put it back straight. I just bought this truck and the previous owner told me he has never disconnected the steering box or the steering wheel. So someone is lying to me I believe. Do you have any thoughts? Great channel. Thanks.

[@RustbeltMechanic]

Likely is in the brackets of the lift or how the spindles sit. And you can’t really unhook the steering and put it into a different position. Now that may be different between your 2000 and my 06...but I’m guessing someone has something not hooked up right or the alignment guy just didn’t want to mess with the caster and camber to bring everything in correctly.

[@aleclindberg7578]

Wow that alignment machine is way faster then the one at my work I think I need to go to a dealer.

[@hardcore2017]

We’ve had problems at our shop with PPEs going bad after not a very long time. Still an amazing tie rod but we’ve had much better luck with Apex tie rods.

[@Smallblock_chev]

Late to the party but Great video man, really informative. Is it possible for excessive positive camber to affect tie rod angle? Just put a 2” level on my 16 Silverado and haven’t had it aligned yet, but the tie rods are making noise when turning steering wheel while stopped. They are almost vibrating(I’d imagine it’s the angle from lift + a very positive camber angle?) you think I should even try getting it aligned to POSSIBLY alleviate the issue? Or should I just pull the level kit if correcting the camber won’t really help with the angle/noise of tie rods? Anyways. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks man

[@11Reaper9]

Sounds like you had the narrow track width instead of the standard track kit. I’m running a full Kryptonite Steering set up

[@ozziecrosby2092]

No trimming of the tie rods?

[@anthonystamper3355]

Awesome video but the only problem I have is that I don't own a shop to do that. Is there a low tech way to do alignment on a lifted truck?

[@Justforfun-ek7et]

Hahahahahaha “this is you, this is the guy your wife told you not to worry about.” 😂

[@bootheoutlaw7596]

Quick question, rear spacers on or off during alignment?

[@pfeezy00]

Hey Rustbelt Mechanic. Great videos and I appreciate all the explanations on everything. I have some questions you may or may not have answers too. I have a 2002 GMC Sierra 2500hd SLE CCSB LB7 Duramax. Just got it back from the lift shop and we put the BDS 7" with leaf springs and tow bags in rear. We did the single steering stabilizer and Kryptonite front end upgrade, upper control arms, upper & lower ball joints and hubs. We also had the Readhead steering gear box with new lower and upper steering shafts just because we were in there already. I have a very similar wheel and tire setup as you do, Fuel Rampage 2 piece 20x10 -19 offset on Nitto Graplers 37x12.50. I feel my truck swaying all over the road still. My questions are as follows, would I need to cut the Kryptonite tierods to get it aligned properly? It feels as alignment is off. Also, I'd like to upgrade to dual steering stabilizers, BDS as well but wonder if that can be done with the Cognito's pitman arm support kit? Any help and input would be much appreciated. Clean looking truck too. 👍

[@RustbeltMechanic]

As far as the tie rod ends, yes they will definitely need to be trimmed. But I am not really sure on the upgraded steering components working with the dual stabilizer kit. I haven’t quite got there yet on this one but have a feeling I’ll find out the answer to this question one day when I do this.

[@pfeezy00]

@@RustbeltMechanic I thought I needed to trim those tie rods. Thanks again for all you do. Hard to find quality and honesty these days and you're doing great. Keep up the good work.

[@Chevyfan-tl2kw]

Must drive pretty smooth with all that New stuff

[@RustbeltMechanic]

It sure does

[@Italianborn]

You figure you would like your truck a little higher.. then after that you would have to change tire, rims, then other issue on the road..it’s incredible how much money you need to spend as soon as you modify the OEM settings..

[@Justforfun-ek7et]

Alessandro Terracciano, absolutely right. I made the mistake not taking into consideration how much extra money I need to make sure everything rides like factory.

[@cky2k244]

Awesome job! I’m gonna recommend those tools to some coworkers.

[@BipVuongAnCapTheMuaMayBayXao]

Try to look for monster wrench 21×22 and you can easily adjust bolt at bottom of the truck. Now only them make that large size. Some else like Klutch, mountain etc max at 19mm. I have monster wrench I love it. Do a lot for German too

[@bigt9391]

Hey thanks for the tips on those tools man

[@samueladams6392]

Hey, do those cameras heads ever give you false readings on wheels that have any type of concave to the spokes?

[@RustbeltMechanic]

I have not seen that issue yet. Only thing I find to hinder the readings is if there is bright sunshine coming through the door behind the vehicle.

[@fee_ic4981]

Nice Video, really appreciated it

[@coreysuttles1362]

Great video very informative!!!!! Awesome job as always my brother!!!!! 💯😎💪

[@RustbeltMechanic]

Thanks man! That’s why I love making these videos😁👍

[@coreysuttles1362]

Rustbelt Mechanic you’re welcome bro, you know I got mad love for your channel!!!! Just an FYI doing a simple alignment on a big rig with our Hunter machine pretty much mirrors what you do for your truck. There is some differences but they are very minor and our machine has huge heads that attach to 4 wheels at a time.

[@sean.g4516]

@@RustbeltMechanic I think I'll go with these instead of kryptonite, I just need something heavy duty enough for a daily driver basically something that will keep my truck aligned

[@keejayjackson1332]

How you like those fox shocks this told me it really wasn't a big difference from all the other shocks out here

[@RustbeltMechanic]

I’d disagree, they are night and day from stock ride quality. There’s a reason all the best top end lift kits use their stuff.... it just works😁👍

[@devoncoolman88]

If you want a cheaper great quality alternative to the fox go with the bilstein 5100 series shocks. We put them on just about all plow trucks and budget minded lifted trucks. I have them on my own truck. They are way better then the factory shocks even the factory bilstein equiped trucks its an upgrade. But the fox shocks are very good. Just more pricy.

[@edwardski8315]

Is there a way you could tell me how to adjust the upper control arms on a 2015 ram 1500

[@joshuas10]

Random question but have you ever bled your brakes with actuating the abs on your truck?

[@RustbeltMechanic]

I have not on my specific truck but have on many like mine before using the abs brake bleed procedure in a scan tool.

[@dtnel]

2In wrench for tie rod end inner half installation? Not a problem. That's why it pays to keep those ol' china knock off tool wrench sets from the mid 90's when doing semi truck work. For those who don't have, think about those friends from tech school who went to working on semi trucks or even a tool such as the Snap-On pipe wrench / pliers combo. Can't think of the part number but they make a regular non snap on brand one that does just as well and will get you the leverage needed. A good set of china large wrenches in the pouch from 1 1/2 - 3 in are great to have around for those once a year deals but heck the wrenches were cheap enough you got the set for the price of 1 maybe 2 maximum brand name wrenches of the same size. The metal is so large it's not bending anyways. @Rustbelt been laying low for awhile and was even sick this week even though had my flu shot I think I got a variant and you're talking to a guy that won't leave his house / garage for up to 5 days at a time or sometimes more. Generally 3-5 days but still on the mend. Thank god for chicken noodle soup, a whole pack of crackers to help and a bottle of gatorade each meal twice daily. Makes a difference in helping flush and heal the body. ✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌

[@burnyknob9502]

why would my shop have my left wheel further back than the right so now it hits the frame when i turn sharp left.

[@samuelanderson295]

I have a 02 k2500hd it has a 4in body lift with "22 in rims. What would be my best upgrade for my front end. Everything is stock.

[@RustbeltMechanic]

Honestly body lifts scare me. Aside from ditching that and getting a decent suspension lift... tie rods.

[@dannyfiskarecarpentry1432]

When adding a suspension modification, does that affect the angles and measurements when aligning?

[@RustbeltMechanic]

Yep absolutely

[@dannyfiskarecarpentry1432]

How do you compensate? I am unsure how and do not want to turn away customer's at the Shop I manage.

[@RustbeltMechanic]

You just have to realign any time you change anything with aftermarket suspension components

[@Manoomin_Outdoors]

You do Chevy s10 or parts that go on s10s because I drive a 2003 Chevy s10 crewcab and I would like to know how to wire the Low beams and high Beams together. Great videos love them all and keep up the great work

[@dennisrandall8040]

There is a chip you can buy on Amazon that goes in your fuse box in the engine compartment.

[@jessicachristopher1508]

Very impressive video! Thank you.

[@nitraml4536]

What’s the model number of the 4 - post lift

[@dylankeen2203]

Hunter alignment machines using winalign, you do NOT have to lock the steering wheel. (On IFS vehicles). Solid front axle you do.

[@RustbeltMechanic]

Yes you do have to lock steering after doing caster sweep

[@automedic9781]

Rustbelt Mechanic Not with the WinToe feature. Hunter actually emphasizes at their training that if you’re using WinToe, you do NOT use the steering wheel lock as the computer does a bunch of math that I myself am not smart enough to understand to ensure everything goes where it needs to, and the wheel has to be free for it to do so. If you’re just doing an alignment without it like you did in the video, then yes you lock the wheel, but if you activate the Win feature you do not.

[@Robot0Ninja]

I wouldve gotten that caster split a little closer. Especially on a lifted truck for less pulling

[@genawilcox9039]

It's best to have a little bit more caster for the right side for road crown

[@Robot0Ninja]

@@genawilcox9039 Yes, if your area is crested on typical roads. In Montana there is rarely a crest, the road just goes with wherever they layed it

[@Hjchism.]

Hello, I am a new subscriber but I've been watching for awhile. My truck is lowered and I need adjustable upper control arms

[@timothyj.2937]

omg pls help me. Been to so many alignment auto places but no one can figure out to do alignment on my car because they're lifted and they can't "move" the tires anymore because they're way off. PLs help. I have Subaru

[@jessicawhite1598]

I just went through the same thing, it’s looking like you are supposed to cut the tie rod down maybe, what year is your Subaru? My mom lifted her 2004

[@royalcpnut]

Is that your original front bumper or it was replaced?

[@RustbeltMechanic]

That’s still the original front bumper

[@RustbeltMechanic]

First!!! Haha beat you all!!!😁👍

[@JUSTINATV]

😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@dtnel]

That's just so wrong... ha ha....

[@chadhastings3512]

What do I need for my 2000 Chevy blazer after a 2.5 inch lift? They said they can’t align the camber correctly because of the lift

[@RustbeltMechanic]

They would have to find an aftermarket kit that either allows adjustable ball joints or different control arm bolts that allow camber adjustment.

[@chadhastings3512]

Rustbelt Mechanic thank you

[@chadhastings3512]

Rustbelt Mechanic is it a new control arm or just a bolt?

[@RustbeltMechanic]

Chad Hastings those are all new control arms and hardware.

[@raulzamora15]

I have 2014 sierra was told couldn’t do alignment but bare do something to cam and adjust steering what best recommendation

[@diesel_0669]

You did a Great video 👍🏻

[@southernglazed9214]

You work at a dodge dealer or Chevy?Ive been a Ford tech for 18 years now

[@RustbeltMechanic]

Chrysler for over 10 years now

[@southernglazed9214]

Shouldn’t you be driving a ram then 😂

[@patrickmcintyre6354]

You don’t use the win toe for the toe I have this same machine at work and love it

[@RustbeltMechanic]

You know I actually don’t prefer using it. I like seeing all the readings together while adjusting them one at a time.

[@gerardoperez5056]

Where are you located man

[@RustbeltMechanic]

Around Dayton OH

[@gerardoperez5056]

Looks like u really know what you doing that's awesome I will love to bring my truck to u but unfortunately I am like 5 hrs away

[@keejayjackson1332]

Thanks

[@andyspeight7277]

Nice!

[@PndaS2k]

I’m about to get a job as a tech doing alignments. Seems like the jackass’s aligning my truck can’t get the shit right.

[@fee_ic4981]

Exactly Broh

[@themechanicnextdoor5144]

You need to redo your caster sweep before adjusting toe!!!!!

[@barrylenhart7240]

don't you have to set the steering wheel straight before you adjust toe with that machine. our older hunter you set the wheel and use win-toe to set the toe. a jacked up truck with lift kit and steering parts will kill flat rate alignments.

[@jsjunkremoval]

Idk why you’re making a big deal about cutting them. PPE says right on their website to cut with a lifted truck. They even give directions and a diagram.

[@nicke2307]

Actually the alignment machine is 40k... ask me how I know lol

[@LoveHateSexPain311]

i dont see how the larger tie rod has the advantage both have the same threaded ends which is the weak link. me personally i would rather it bent on the trail and not snap in half. and save weight at the same. just my opinion

[@JUSTINATV]

First!

[@RustbeltMechanic]

Not quite!!😂😂

[@bamamowersgarage8937]

His give WAY he did he did me wrong I was first and told I was f I did not like what he did to me

[@mrmurdx8956]

Talk about small p, p modifications what a pain.

[@brandoncaldwell95]

I am very protective of my truck. I never let it leave my sight when work is being done. I scream at the discount tire guys to not use the frame lift on my truck. Once I get a lift, if i ever do as I dont want to drop the $1400+install, I will be watching my truck from the bay door.

[@Shawn_Magara]

Brandon Caldwell you're a special kind of special lol

[@sujeshsuresh1142]

every mechanic hates you.

[@ninjamigs1766]

Bigger means better... 2 inches. Fuvk my life...hahhaha

[@RustbeltMechanic]

Lmao!

[@juandiaz539]

🫶👍🏾great job