83' knuckle rebuild kit = alignment?

[pyrotec220]

Hello. I had a question hopefully someone could help answer. I completely rebuilt my truck and am lookin to rebuild the knuckles, but not sure when im gonna get to it. But meanwhile, i need an alighnment. I was wondering if would need to get an alighnment after i rebuilt the knuckles?, or can i get an alighnment now and just do the knuckles when i get the time and money. also, if i wanted to change out the front diff would i need an alignment after i did that? any help would be appreciated! 

[Duffil]

it won't need to be realigned unless you screw with the tie rod length, which you don't need to do. 

I always align it myself anyhow.

[Hammerhead]

it won't need to be realigned unless you screw with the tie rod length, which you don't need to do. 

I always align it myself anyhow.

x2

[KDXSR5]

So I have figured that the only thing adjustable is toe on these. What should it be toed in at? 1/8? 1/4? I got a lifetime alignment for free in a drawing two years ago, so I am not too worried about it, but I want to know incase I need to adjust it sometime. I am sure as soon as I do the highsteer, the tire store will no longer honor the lifetime alignment, and I will have to do it myself.

[Duffil]

IIRC, factory spec is like 5/32" but I usually go within 1/8"-1/4".  works well enough for me.

[Hammerhead]

I run 3/16" with 38.5s.

[pyrotec220]

thanks!

[DTB]

check 4crawler.com...there is a nice write up on how to do it......

Its not that complicated....all you need is a level, a c-clamp, a measuring tape and a piece of angle iron...

[OOPS]

Very easy to do yourself. Here are the bars I made to do mine. I used the same method when I was on a pit crew for a Top Fuel Dragster.

[DTB]

when you select your bars just make sure they are exactly the same length as the diameter of your tires. I just happened to have 2 pieces of angle that were exactly 36"  (which is what my tires diameter measures to) Remember that not all tires measure out to the size listed on the sidewall

[pyrotec220]

Another question, would i be able to swap out the front diff without needing a knuckle rebuild kit? i mean, i know you can, but whats the chances of ruining some gaskets?

[DTB]

Another question, would i be able to swap out the front diff without needing a knuckle rebuild kit? i mean, i know you can, but whats the chances of ruining some gaskets?

When is the last time your knuckles were rebuilt? Did you find birfield soup in your knuckles? Are you leaking grease from your wiper seals? What is the condition of your wheel bearings and trunions? You really need to take it apart to decide. I usually recommend rebuilding if it has never been done before

[pyrotec220]

thanks. yea i dont know when they were rebuilt, if ever. i want to do it, just kinda low on funds. ill just have to drive in 2wd for a few weeks

[russty]

i got an 83 im also curious about this. i know mine need some attention with 260-some thousnd

[chandogg]

I did my 83 a while back and it's not difficult its just takes patience and confidence.

[New83]

great ideas!  thanks!

[YotaMyles]

Those are all good ideas ill have to do that to save $60 each time.