Alignment ordeal

They all use the same tools and have been taught the same system. But if you’re running all over the country then Kansas City is the best. And he doesn’t book appointments much more than a few days out so as long as you have a couple day’s notice he should be able to get you in.

 

I’ve got a good example of why a test drive is nessesary. I drove a straight truck regionally 6am to 6 pm Five days a week for 15 years as my full time job while the family business was 6pm to 6am and 24/2 on weekends.
That front end never needed anything replaced on the axle in that time except springs, shocks, and a steering box in a million miles. King Pins and tierods stayed good and tight the whole time. That truck ate tires the first 2 to 3 years under warranty. Every alignment done was in “factory spec” and it wandered and drifted. Everytime i brought that to anyones attention they would always say that it gotta be good its in spec. Computer said so. I’d tell them to drive it or at least ride along so they can see and feel it happening. Nope. It’s in spec. Finally found a guy thru and old hand that after I told him what it was doing he drove it. Within 5 mins he had it figured. AXle needed wedge added. Test drove 4 times till he was certain it was right. It was now so far out of factory spec that it never ate another tire again for the rest of the time I drove it. I’d take it back to him every 3 years to check it and every time it was solid and nothing needed changing.

 

I am probably the last person on earth that examines the tires in our vehicles every morning before driving it. And sometimes after it returned from Little Rock etc. If there were any problems anywhere in suspension or front end the tires will start telling me that story very lightly. If the problem was not traced and fixed then the tires will be all eaten up in short order.

 

My KW is the same way.

 

Haven't seen anything like that, but I only deal with highway trucks.

 

Yep, the AG380/Flex Air maybe worse design. The u-bolts carry all weight and go through the aluminum beam. Had many stretch u-bolts, but hard to tell because u-bolts get so seized they appear tight. Usually takes removing the beam and a twenty pound hammer to remove u-bolts. We quit specing that suspension and went entirely to AG400L/Low Air Leaf. Much better suspension.

 

I think he is talking about the cross braces that some Freightliner models and others use that run under the spring at the rear between the two air bags.

 

When did they stop using those? Come to think of it it’s been quite awhile since I’ve seen them. I remember them on all the of the FL’s up through the 99’s. Was it with the outboard shock absorber change? Or just to get cheaper and lighter?

 

I’m not sure.
My 07 Columbia didn’t have one.
I thought about putting one on it but I just
welded some stops on the insides of the lower spring saddles on it and it has worked out well.

 

Yep, really bad design. Didn't know till I bought it right. I'll know next time. Lol