A Good Trailer Alignment Shop Around Pittsburgh, PA?

Not sure who can do what, but I can tell you one thing - if job is done on anything but absolute level ground, chances of it being correct are reduced. Spring axles travel in a radius as dictated by the torque arms, not straight up and down, hence the need for level ground. Any variance in axle height from axle to trailer underside will result in a variance in distance from kingpin to axle due to said radius.

To save a few bucks, a pro shop can do the front axle only, then go DIY for back axle by using a tram bar to locate back axle, and use a pull axle forward motion to locate it. The backlash in the axle requires said forward motion travel. It couldwell be that the shop has it priced so that this method is not worth your trouble, but its something that you could perhaps negotiate with the shop.

Most air ride axles also travel in a radius. Air ride axle position must be located after a zero air then upstroke positioning of air bags.

A shop that can use lasers and targets correctly would be my first choice. Tape measures and strings - a last resort. That length of string or tape HIGHLY susceptible to stretch / lag / and error. It's nearly impossible to pull that much wire from kingpin to axle in a consistent side to side manner. The wire will hang in a curve, as opposed to a straight pull. To overcome this in a consistent manner from side to side, and also to hit the axle end center with a consistent pull - you get my drift.

I would look for companies that do extensive trailer frame repair for advice and also companies who specialize in truck tire sales. Either should know who is competent at trailer alignments. Truck stop alignments could well be good, but that choice might be closer to a crap shoot.

 

Mac trailers in Alliance OH. They can straighten you out

 

A bit out of your way but checkout Jones spring out of Columbus OH.
I was impressed with their work.

They test drove my truck twice to make sure everything was perfect.
They also provide you a computerized printout of before and after diagram of your axlex with mesurements.
http://www.jonesspring.com/

 

I'm trying to follow Bucky's post, and I think they are on the right track, but...

I can't think of a spring ride with torque arms except the old binkley air rides with bags in front and springs out back?

All axles do travel in a radius. The trailer needs to be in a relaxed state, on level ground, at the manufactures stated ride height and kingpin height.

Lasers are less accurate than kingpin extensions and tapes due to tire wear. Tension is measured with a fish tape to make sure each side is measured with equal tension. The trailer maintenance council has reviewed this procedure countless times.

it is alway thought that an alignment is measuring distance, however it's really measuring degrees of thrust. An axle is said to be in alignment if the angle of thrust is less than .1 degree from perpendicular. At 41' one tenth of a degree is +\- 1/8".

The rear axle measurement is the scrub angle. 1/16" is with in tolerance.

 

Torque arms

http://i01.i.aliimg.com/img/pb/335/643/568/568643335_974.jpg

http://i01.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/1611514425/Heavy_Duty_font_b_Suspension_b_font.jpg_140x140.jpg

AKA torque rods

 

I guess it's possible they are running European heavy duty axles from AB to PA?

 

I don't believe there is a spring based closed (less than 6' spread) semi trailer suspension anywhere in the US that isn't using torque arms -- one side fixed, the other side adjustable. I think we're stumbling upon semantics.

It is my understanding that the device shown in the top two linked photos below is known to US trucking interests as a torque arm. Some call them torque rods. Both are acceptable terms when ordering parts.

http://www.nickstruckparts.com/345-164.html

http://www.nickstruckparts.com/345-158.html

http://www.plazafleetparts.com/fruehauf-suspensions.html

The lower link shows a Fruehauf suspension, as made in the United States. The suspension shown fits F & J model Fruehaufs, which as far as I can tell you, is about as US made as US made can be. Portions of their suspension line also carried the brand name "Pro Par" -- also a US manufacturer.

My beliefs, subject to correction if in error:

A. We're talking semi trailer spring suspensions (with equalizers) on two axle US semi trailers spaced far less than 6' apart

B. We're talking leaf style springs with equalizers between front and rear axles

C. We are absolutely not discussing steering axles. We are discussing leaf spring semi trailer suspensions made by US manufacturers.

I'd also be curious to know what you call the device shown in the top two linked photos, the ones labeled within the photo as "torque rods."

Thanks for your time, and hope you review the links prior to a reply.