Steering wheel off center after 5100’s

[jreask]

I now have a 2008 SR5 178K miles. Decided to try 5100’s front and back. The rears went on fine. I set the front clips at the second notch from the top (1.75”). I did the front using the no spring compressor method. The left side LCA was loosened and dropped down just fine. I was able to get my match marks pretty close but not exactly where I marked them. The right side LCA was loosened but wouldn’t drop down, it kept springing back up when I pushed it down. I ended up using a spring compressor to assemble the right shock. It went in ok. I also changed out the right CV due to a leaking boot. When I took the truck for a test drive the steering wheel is off center to the right. The truck seemed to drive straight. I assume that the alignment is so far off that the steering wheel is off center? Anyone have any ideas ?
Thanks for your help.
JR

 

[unclefester]

I now have a 2008 SR5 178K miles. Decided to try 5100’s front and back. The rears went on fine. I set the front clips at the second notch from the top (1.75”). I did the front using the no spring compressor method. The left side LCA was loosened and dropped down just fine. I was able to get my match marks pretty close but not exactly where I marked them. The right side LCA was loosened but wouldn’t drop down, it kept springing back up when I pushed it down. I ended up using a spring compressor to assemble the right shock. It went in ok. I also changed out the right CV due to a leaking boot. When I took the truck for a test drive the steering wheel is off center to the right. The truck seemed to drive straight. I assume that the alignment is so far off that the steering wheel is off center? Anyone have any ideas ?
Thanks for your help.
JR

Just did mine 04 v8 limited with the same method and same shocks and setting from what I have read anytime you mess with the front end suspension you had better go and get it aligned. I marked all of my lca's and the right front was pretty hard to get it to move. After getting it pretty much back to the starting point I took it in for the alignment and they did have to make adjustments and it's rides nice and steering wheel is straight.

 

[mjotrainbrain]

I now have a 2008 SR5 178K miles. Decided to try 5100’s front and back. The rears went on fine. I set the front clips at the second notch from the top (1.75”). I did the front using the no spring compressor method. The left side LCA was loosened and dropped down just fine. I was able to get my match marks pretty close but not exactly where I marked them. The right side LCA was loosened but wouldn’t drop down, it kept springing back up when I pushed it down. I ended up using a spring compressor to assemble the right shock. It went in ok. I also changed out the right CV due to a leaking boot. When I took the truck for a test drive the steering wheel is off center to the right. The truck seemed to drive straight. I assume that the alignment is so far off that the steering wheel is off center? Anyone have any ideas ?
Thanks for your help.
JR

Pretty much anytime you make a change to the front suspension you should be prepared to get an alignment. A simple alignment and you should be good to go!

 

[jreask]

Yes I scheduled the alignment before I replaced the shocks. I was asking if the alignment could be so far off that the steering wheel is off center? I was able to loosen the passenger LCA but it wouldn’t drop. Maybe the cam bolts are partially seized.

 

[blackoutt]

YES, you need an alignment after changing the geometry that much. More than just toe (your steering wheel) are out.

 

[ZiaMan]

Remember that it not just the Control Arm/Tie Rod geometry by unbolting and tightening but that the lift itself changes all the angles. So your previous alignment would be off anyway. I guessing the steering wheel is off bc one side was easier to get done than the other.

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