alignment

darren paget

New member
Oct 28, 1998
1,553
0
0
How about a story with a happy ending. Just had an alignment done. Six
wheels. Front wasn't too bad. Right side rears camber way out. Left side
rears camber way out opposite way. Two leaning in, two leaning out. How
does that happen. Only 15 k on the coach. Typical right front rear toed
in big time. All fixed. No problems. Turns out the alignment guy at
this shop is a great Toro. fan. Has a 68. No parts needed, just time.
Happy to walk away with a $365.00 bill. Canadian. $240 US.
Doing 3 inch exhaust tomorrow. Expecting $500-$600 bill. Any one who
has done the three inch pipe let me know how well it fits down the
guides. Too tight? Too stiff? Would like to hear before I go ahead.
For you guys waiting to hear on my engine cover rebuild, it should
happen next week. I will forward pictures to Jim Bounds along with
pictures of the instrument panel. The panel is done..Yeah..Woohoo.. and
I am pretty darn happy with the results. Sure like those white faced
gauges.
I am looking forward to meeting those of you who will be in
Albuquerque in October. Hope all the parts I am getting there will
arrive and I am leaving room in the coach to haul it all back to
Calgary. I sure hope Jim Bounds makes it with my windshield and
generator.
Is there any one going who wouldn't mind bringing some parts? These
parts could be delivered to your house and you could shuttle them to NM
in October. Not large parts. A couple of items from Ragusa and Ramco.
Any volunteers would be greatly appreciated. Shipping to Canada is a
killer on the wallet.
Rambled long enough. Got to go work on some type of sleeping
arrangement for the GM.

- --
Darren Paget
76 Experimental
Another Fab Day
paget
 
Darren's message about Calgary got my attention!

here is my schedule for next few weeks

Sept 8-12 Calgary at the meadows horse show
Sept 17-24 Columbia MO for mini horse show

look for my 78 Birchaven 'flying low' between TX, Calgary, MO, and TX

best visual sign is my big ham radio antenna on the 'front' bumper

anyone sees me give a beep

- --

ron keener near Austin, Texas http://MidAmericaBreedingTech.com
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*
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* Little Big Man
* miniature longhaired Tennessee Woodenleg (fainting) goats
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* home of Zeigy
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*
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Darren I asked this question the other day and haven't recieved an answer in
regards to where to get an alignment. Because there are not any GMC Shops in
our area (Idaho) we will have to go to an unauterized GMC shop , do you have
an answer as to where we can go. Les Schawbs, Truck alignment ??????? New to
all this and need some help. Where did you go. If anyone else has an answer
please respond, Thanks,
Marlene & Bud Meineken

- ----- Original Message -----
From: Darren Paget
To:
Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 5:06 PM
Subject: GMC: alignment

> How about a story with a happy ending. Just had an alignment done. Six
> wheels. Front wasn't too bad. Right side rears camber way out. Left side
> rears camber way out opposite way. Two leaning in, two leaning out. How
> does that happen. Only 15 k on the coach. Typical right front rear toed
> in big time. All fixed. No problems. Turns out the alignment guy at
> this shop is a great Toro. fan. Has a 68. No parts needed, just time.
> Happy to walk away with a $365.00 bill. Canadian. $240 US.
> Doing 3 inch exhaust tomorrow. Expecting $500-$600 bill. Any one who
> has done the three inch pipe let me know how well it fits down the
> guides. Too tight? Too stiff? Would like to hear before I go ahead.
> For you guys waiting to hear on my engine cover rebuild, it should
> happen next week. I will forward pictures to Jim Bounds along with
> pictures of the instrument panel. The panel is done..Yeah..Woohoo.. and
> I am pretty darn happy with the results. Sure like those white faced
> gauges.
> I am looking forward to meeting those of you who will be in
> Albuquerque in October. Hope all the parts I am getting there will
> arrive and I am leaving room in the coach to haul it all back to
> Calgary. I sure hope Jim Bounds makes it with my windshield and
> generator.
> Is there any one going who wouldn't mind bringing some parts? These
> parts could be delivered to your house and you could shuttle them to NM
> in October. Not large parts. A couple of items from Ragusa and Ramco.
> Any volunteers would be greatly appreciated. Shipping to Canada is a
> killer on the wallet.
> Rambled long enough. Got to go work on some type of sleeping
> arrangement for the GM.
>
> --
> Darren Paget
> 76 Experimental
> Another Fab Day
> paget
>
>
>
 
Darren:

I started ut with a 15' piece of 3" exhaust pipe from NAPA, shortened to the
appropriate length. Shoved it through the openings in the frame
crossmember's containing the "donuts". Had to use a block of wood and long
handled sledge persuader to get the last 3 or 4 feet in. Not too bad a job.

I would suggest that you apply something like WD 40 around the donuts as you
work the pipe into place.

Paul Bartz

From: Darren Paget
Sent: 8/11/99 8:06 PM
Subject: GMC: alignment

Doing 3 inch exhaust tomorrow. Expecting $500-$600 bill. Any one who
has done the three inch pipe let me know how well it fits down the
guides. Too tight? Too stiff? Would like to hear before I go ahead.
 
This message is from my husband (Gary).
The 3 inch pipe will fit fine thru the sleeves. You can't use any outer
sleeve on the pipe, obviously. Only tight spot was in the center of
the bogey cross member. Made clearance with a torch -VERY DANGEROUS!!!!
Good luck and let me know how it turns out.

- ----- Original Message -----
From: Darren Paget
To:
Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 8:06 PM
Subject: GMC: alignment

> How about a story with a happy ending. Just had an alignment done. Six
> wheels. Front wasn't too bad. Right side rears camber way out. Left side
> rears camber way out opposite way. Two leaning in, two leaning out. How
> does that happen. Only 15 k on the coach. Typical right front rear toed
> in big time. All fixed. No problems. Turns out the alignment guy at
> this shop is a great Toro. fan. Has a 68. No parts needed, just time.
> Happy to walk away with a $365.00 bill. Canadian. $240 US.
> Doing 3 inch exhaust tomorrow. Expecting $500-$600 bill. Any one who
> has done the three inch pipe let me know how well it fits down the
> guides. Too tight? Too stiff? Would like to hear before I go ahead.
> For you guys waiting to hear on my engine cover rebuild, it should
> happen next week. I will forward pictures to Jim Bounds along with
> pictures of the instrument panel. The panel is done..Yeah..Woohoo.. and
> I am pretty darn happy with the results. Sure like those white faced
> gauges.
> I am looking forward to meeting those of you who will be in
> Albuquerque in October. Hope all the parts I am getting there will
> arrive and I am leaving room in the coach to haul it all back to
> Calgary. I sure hope Jim Bounds makes it with my windshield and
> generator.
> Is there any one going who wouldn't mind bringing some parts? These
> parts could be delivered to your house and you could shuttle them to NM
> in October. Not large parts. A couple of items from Ragusa and Ramco.
> Any volunteers would be greatly appreciated. Shipping to Canada is a
> killer on the wallet.
> Rambled long enough. Got to go work on some type of sleeping
> arrangement for the GM.
>
> --
> Darren Paget
> 76 Experimental
> Another Fab Day
> paget
>
>
 
I don't know if I can be of any help. I am in Calgary. I took it to a shop here
that Does all kinds of steering and suspension work. They also manufacture
springs, frames and any thing else related to the under carriage. In fact, the
guy doing the alignment stated that if one of the spindles was bent, that it
would be no big deal to just manufacture a new one in the shop. Who knows, if
you are close enough to calgary it may be worth your while to come up here and
have it done. The 365 I spent is only $243.00 to you. This is the same place I
bought my new compressor and air bags also. I know, for sure, these items are
cheaper here than any place down there.
I have found that on a per item cost they are the same price, dollar for
dollar. In most cases anyway. Don't know if this helps you or not. Good
luck. Darren

> Darren I asked this question the other day and haven't recieved an answer in
> regards to where to get an alignment. Because there are not any GMC Shops in
> our area (Idaho) we will have to go to an unauterized GMC shop , do you have
> an answer as to where we can go. Les Schawbs, Truck alignment ??????? New to
> all this and need some help. Where did you go. If anyone else has an answer
> please respond, Thanks,
> Marlene & Bud Meineken
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Darren Paget
> To:
> Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 5:06 PM
> Subject: GMC: alignment
>
> > How about a story with a happy ending. Just had an alignment done. Six
> > wheels. Front wasn't too bad. Right side rears camber way out. Left side
> > rears camber way out opposite way. Two leaning in, two leaning out. How
> > does that happen. Only 15 k on the coach. Typical right front rear toed
> > in big time. All fixed. No problems. Turns out the alignment guy at
> > this shop is a great Toro. fan. Has a 68. No parts needed, just time.
> > Happy to walk away with a $365.00 bill. Canadian. $240 US.
> > Doing 3 inch exhaust tomorrow. Expecting $500-$600 bill. Any one who
> > has done the three inch pipe let me know how well it fits down the
> > guides. Too tight? Too stiff? Would like to hear before I go ahead.
> > For you guys waiting to hear on my engine cover rebuild, it should
> > happen next week. I will forward pictures to Jim Bounds along with
> > pictures of the instrument panel. The panel is done..Yeah..Woohoo.. and
> > I am pretty darn happy with the results. Sure like those white faced
> > gauges.
> > I am looking forward to meeting those of you who will be in
> > Albuquerque in October. Hope all the parts I am getting there will
> > arrive and I am leaving room in the coach to haul it all back to
> > Calgary. I sure hope Jim Bounds makes it with my windshield and
> > generator.
> > Is there any one going who wouldn't mind bringing some parts? These
> > parts could be delivered to your house and you could shuttle them to NM
> > in October. Not large parts. A couple of items from Ragusa and Ramco.
> > Any volunteers would be greatly appreciated. Shipping to Canada is a
> > killer on the wallet.
> > Rambled long enough. Got to go work on some type of sleeping
> > arrangement for the GM.
> >
> > --
> > Darren Paget
> > 76 Experimental
> > Another Fab Day
> > paget
> >
> >
> >

- --
Darren Paget
76 Experimental
Another Fab Day
paget
 
Darren
Will you please post Name of Company,address, phone# and e-mail? Some of
these days plan on coming up that way. We live East of Lewiston, Id. so
Calgary would be a full 2 day trip.
Marlene & Bud Meineken
mkm1

- ----- Original Message -----
From: Darren Paget
To:
Sent: Thursday, August 12, 1999 9:42 AM
Subject: Re: GMC: alignment

> I don't know if I can be of any help. I am in Calgary. I took it to a shop
here
> that Does all kinds of steering and suspension work. They also manufacture
> springs, frames and any thing else related to the under carriage. In fact,
the
> guy doing the alignment stated that if one of the spindles was bent, that
it
> would be no big deal to just manufacture a new one in the shop. Who knows,
if
> you are close enough to calgary it may be worth your while to come up here
and
> have it done. The 365 I spent is only $243.00 to you. This is the same
place I
> bought my new compressor and air bags also. I know, for sure, these items
are
> cheaper here than any place down there.
> I have found that on a per item cost they are the same price, dollar
for
> dollar. In most cases anyway. Don't know if this helps you or not. Good
> luck. Darren
>

>
> > Darren I asked this question the other day and haven't recieved an
answer in
> > regards to where to get an alignment. Because there are not any GMC
Shops in
> > our area (Idaho) we will have to go to an unauterized GMC shop , do you
have
> > an answer as to where we can go. Les Schawbs, Truck alignment ???????
New to
> > all this and need some help. Where did you go. If anyone else has an
answer
> > please respond, Thanks,
> > Marlene & Bud Meineken
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Darren Paget
> > To:
> > Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 5:06 PM
> > Subject: GMC: alignment
> >
> > > How about a story with a happy ending. Just had an alignment done. Six
> > > wheels. Front wasn't too bad. Right side rears camber way out. Left
side
> > > rears camber way out opposite way. Two leaning in, two leaning out.
How
> > > does that happen. Only 15 k on the coach. Typical right front rear
toed
> > > in big time. All fixed. No problems. Turns out the alignment guy at
> > > this shop is a great Toro. fan. Has a 68. No parts needed, just time.
> > > Happy to walk away with a $365.00 bill. Canadian. $240 US.
> > > Doing 3 inch exhaust tomorrow. Expecting $500-$600 bill. Any one
who
> > > has done the three inch pipe let me know how well it fits down the
> > > guides. Too tight? Too stiff? Would like to hear before I go ahead.
> > > For you guys waiting to hear on my engine cover rebuild, it should
> > > happen next week. I will forward pictures to Jim Bounds along with
> > > pictures of the instrument panel. The panel is done..Yeah..Woohoo..
and
> > > I am pretty darn happy with the results. Sure like those white faced
> > > gauges.
> > > I am looking forward to meeting those of you who will be in
> > > Albuquerque in October. Hope all the parts I am getting there will
> > > arrive and I am leaving room in the coach to haul it all back to
> > > Calgary. I sure hope Jim Bounds makes it with my windshield and
> > > generator.
> > > Is there any one going who wouldn't mind bringing some parts?
These
> > > parts could be delivered to your house and you could shuttle them to
NM
> > > in October. Not large parts. A couple of items from Ragusa and Ramco.
> > > Any volunteers would be greatly appreciated. Shipping to Canada is a
> > > killer on the wallet.
> > > Rambled long enough. Got to go work on some type of sleeping
> > > arrangement for the GM.
> > >
> > > --
> > > Darren Paget
> > > 76 Experimental
> > > Another Fab Day
> > > paget
> > >
> > >
> > >
>
> --
> Darren Paget
> 76 Experimental
> Another Fab Day
> paget
>
>
>
 
> Scott. It is called "Standens" I am not sure on the price, as I haven't checked
> the invoice. I can't find it. I am pretty sure they were under $700 Canadian.
> This included new cones also. The conversion to US would have made them $466.00
> US or less. I know I paid well under 700 but more than 650. Memory says 67?
> something. I am not sure about a web site. I don't think they have one yet.
> You could try www.standens.com.
> Phone at 1-800-663-7800 or try 1-403-258-7882. I am not sure they can ship to
> the states. Give them a try. You could mention my name or explain my coach and
> alignment. Don't know if it will help. You may end up paying more if you say
> you know me. Haha. If you can get what you want and can pay over the phone and
> are worried about shipping I could bring the stuff to NM in October with me.
> Let me know how it goes. Darren
>

>
> > In a message dated 8/12/99 12:45:36 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

> >
> > > This is the same place I bought my new compressor and air bags also. I
> > know, for >sure, these items are cheaper here than any place down there.
> >
> > Hi Darren,
> >
> > What is the name of this place, what is their phone number. Do they have
> > E-mail or website.. You were able to buy airbags from them too? How much
> > were the air bags?
> >
> > Scott GMC FRAME
> > OFF
>
> --
> Darren Paget
> 76 Experimental
> Another Fab Day
> paget

- --
Darren Paget
76 Experimental
Another Fab Day
paget
 
Standens Limited
1-800-663-7800
1-403-258-7882
www.standens.com

> Darren
> Will you please post Name of Company,address, phone# and e-mail? Some of
> these days plan on coming up that way. We live East of Lewiston, Id. so
> Calgary would be a full 2 day trip.
> Marlene & Bud Meineken
> mkm1
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Darren Paget
> To:
> Sent: Thursday, August 12, 1999 9:42 AM
> Subject: Re: GMC: alignment
>
> > I don't know if I can be of any help. I am in Calgary. I took it to a shop
> here
> > that Does all kinds of steering and suspension work. They also manufacture
> > springs, frames and any thing else related to the under carriage. In fact,
> the
> > guy doing the alignment stated that if one of the spindles was bent, that
> it
> > would be no big deal to just manufacture a new one in the shop. Who knows,
> if
> > you are close enough to calgary it may be worth your while to come up here
> and
> > have it done. The 365 I spent is only $243.00 to you. This is the same
> place I
> > bought my new compressor and air bags also. I know, for sure, these items
> are
> > cheaper here than any place down there.
> > I have found that on a per item cost they are the same price, dollar
> for
> > dollar. In most cases anyway. Don't know if this helps you or not. Good
> > luck. Darren
> >

> >
> > > Darren I asked this question the other day and haven't recieved an
> answer in
> > > regards to where to get an alignment. Because there are not any GMC
> Shops in
> > > our area (Idaho) we will have to go to an unauterized GMC shop , do you
> have
> > > an answer as to where we can go. Les Schawbs, Truck alignment ???????
> New to
> > > all this and need some help. Where did you go. If anyone else has an
> answer
> > > please respond, Thanks,
> > > Marlene & Bud Meineken
> > >
> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > From: Darren Paget
> > > To:
> > > Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 5:06 PM
> > > Subject: GMC: alignment
> > >
> > > > How about a story with a happy ending. Just had an alignment done. Six
> > > > wheels. Front wasn't too bad. Right side rears camber way out. Left
> side
> > > > rears camber way out opposite way. Two leaning in, two leaning out.
> How
> > > > does that happen. Only 15 k on the coach. Typical right front rear
> toed
> > > > in big time. All fixed. No problems. Turns out the alignment guy at
> > > > this shop is a great Toro. fan. Has a 68. No parts needed, just time.
> > > > Happy to walk away with a $365.00 bill. Canadian. $240 US.
> > > > Doing 3 inch exhaust tomorrow. Expecting $500-$600 bill. Any one
> who
> > > > has done the three inch pipe let me know how well it fits down the
> > > > guides. Too tight? Too stiff? Would like to hear before I go ahead.
> > > > For you guys waiting to hear on my engine cover rebuild, it should
> > > > happen next week. I will forward pictures to Jim Bounds along with
> > > > pictures of the instrument panel. The panel is done..Yeah..Woohoo..
> and
> > > > I am pretty darn happy with the results. Sure like those white faced
> > > > gauges.
> > > > I am looking forward to meeting those of you who will be in
> > > > Albuquerque in October. Hope all the parts I am getting there will
> > > > arrive and I am leaving room in the coach to haul it all back to
> > > > Calgary. I sure hope Jim Bounds makes it with my windshield and
> > > > generator.
> > > > Is there any one going who wouldn't mind bringing some parts?
> These
> > > > parts could be delivered to your house and you could shuttle them to
> NM
> > > > in October. Not large parts. A couple of items from Ragusa and Ramco.
> > > > Any volunteers would be greatly appreciated. Shipping to Canada is a
> > > > killer on the wallet.
> > > > Rambled long enough. Got to go work on some type of sleeping
> > > > arrangement for the GM.
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > Darren Paget
> > > > 76 Experimental
> > > > Another Fab Day
> > > > paget
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> >
> > --
> > Darren Paget
> > 76 Experimental
> > Another Fab Day
> > paget
> >
> >
> >

- --
Darren Paget
76 Experimental
Another Fab Day
paget
 
Don, I'm sure you will get a few replies to your question.

The job may require installing shims between the rear boogies and the frame,
and will surely require you to bend the control arms with a "port-a-power"
jacking system. This is more than I care to get involved with, but some
GMCNeters do their own alignment. When I can't get a GMC expert to perform
the work, I go to a frame/alignment shop that works on large trucks. These
shops are familiar with aligning two rear axles, and they have the tools to
handle the job.

If you need shims, they can be made out of shim stock by copying the
existing shims. There are "vertical" shims and a "horizontal" shims.

I hope this helps.

Scott Shean
78 Royale
Baton Rouge, LA

>
>I'm a very serious candidate for a 6 wheel alignment. The only problem is
>the distance to Michigan or Florida. I live in Ft. Smith, AR. which is on
>the Oklahoma border and I don't know of anyone in this area to do it. I'm
>wondering if there is a way of aligning the rear wheels
>temporarily until I
>can get a PRO to do it right.

Don R
> 76PB
>
 
Don.
When I purchased my unit in July, I had to replace the bogie bushings
and pins. (I knew this when I looked at it)
The tires did not sit straight and you could not tell just how bad the
wear was until the back was jacked up and the air out of the bag.
I could shake the tire about 1 inch in/out because of the wear.
Before you go to the trouble of alignment, check for this wear.
Hopefully an alignment is all you require, but cannot be done with
excessive wear in the bogie pin area.
Regards, Gil.
 
Any idea what the play is now, after the replacement under the same
conditions?

>The tires did not sit straight and you could not tell just how bad the
>wear was until the back was jacked up and the air out of the bag.
>I could shake the tire about 1 inch in/out because of the wear.
>Regards, Gil.

- --
Regards,
John 74 Glacier
 
Thanks for the info on the pins...

>He sternly informed me that there was nothing wrong with
>his GMC. I said OK and went back to my SOB.

Maybe he just finished paying the bill for new steering gear, new
steering damper, new special shocks, new hubs/bearings/knuckles, new
wheels and tires, alignment, and truing. If he was not a netter how
would he even know. Thanks again.

- --
Regards,
John 74 Glacier
 
> I will also say that I saw one in MI that was so bad I
> could not believe it. I went over and tried to talk to the guy. About
> 2 inches of the front bogie tire on the passenger side was out side of
> the wheel. He sternly informed me that there was nothing wrong with
> his GMC. I said OK and went back to my SOB.

The really sad part is, this guy's coach is gonna' leave him high and dry
one day and he'll blame the "poor design" for the trouble.

Patrick
 
[Admin note - Bounced, Multipart HTML encoded. Gil, please post in
"plain" text only to GMCnet. Thanks! Patrick]

Don, As one of the others stated. After the bogie pin/bushing repair was
complete there is no play in the wheels at all, none. I do not know what
is considered to be allowable play before repairs are required.Perhaps
one of the others can provide that info.
When I took the unit for a test drive the back of the coach became
covered with rubber dust that was peeling from the tires. The two
leading tires were the worst and the rears showed little wear even
though the bushing/pins were also worn. A new tire would have only
lasted about 500 miles before it too would be worn to the cords.
Surprisingly, the coach tracked and handled about the same after the
repairs were done.
Regards, Gil