George wrote:
> Well, I think I might finally get a front end alignment. My 99
Silverado,
> 4x4, 5.3L and 4L60E doesn't ****mmy, shake, vibrate, or make any noises.
The
> tires wear evenly and my Michelin LTX's got way over 100k miles. My
only
> problem in 4 years of driving it, has a slight pull to the right.
Here's
> the question. I've heard a rumor that GM, in their infinite wisdom, has
> dreamed up some sort of non-adjustable front end as delivered. When the
> first alignment is due, I have to buy a kit to make it adjustable. I've
> heard that the kit costs more than the alignment! Is this true? Can
> someone describe what this kit is, where does it go, and can I get one
from
> a junk yard? This probably isn't the most unbelievable thing I've ever
> heard of, but its close.
>
>
>
If it is a slight right hand pull it may be just from the crown of the
road. That would be normal depending on the angle of crown and type of
road surface.
Try this little experiment. Take your truck down a road where you can
feel it pull to the right. Now LOOK far ahead and make sure the other
lane is clear and pull your truck onto the opposite side of the road. If
the pull goes away or you notice a slight left hand pull your truck is
normal.
This only works on roads that have both lanes crowned to opposite sides.
Divided highways and 4 lanes usually have each side crowned the same.
Two lane roads are usually crowned in the center. The crowning allows
rain to run off the sides. No alignment will change that.
From your description of tire wear and the rest I wouldn't let a shop
touch it.
--
Steve W.
Near Cooperstown, New York
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