Hey, I'm new here and I'm hoping to get a diagnostic of what could be the problem with my front end, as it is eating the inside of my tires. First things first, I need a pitman arm and an idler arm according to the tech that did my my alignment. I've also had a guy I work with "crank down bolts" as he stated to bring my front end down. (It was sitting rather high due to the fact the previous owner plowed with it). Now could a pitman arm and an idler be the cause of my problem here?

 

A worn pitman arm will not cause tire wear. It will cause play in the steering. A worn idler arm will cause tire wear, and if not replaced before the alignment, toe can not be accurately adjusted, and the alignment should not be attempted. "Reading" tire wear can help diagnose the problem. If the inside shoulder wear on the tire is smooth, throughout the entire circumference of the tire, excessive negative camber is the cause. If the wear is symmetrical and jagged/feathered, excessive toe out is the cause. If the wear is asymmetrical, worn suspension and or steering linkage is the cause. The "crank down bolts" are for adjusting the torsion bars which determine front chassis ride height. Adjustments to the torsion bars create/cause a front to rear, and side to side, weight shift in the vehicle. The slightest adjustment will significantly affect camber and toe. Front chassis ride height must be adjusted within specs before doing the alignment. After the alignment is done, if ride height is tampered with, (even the slightest amount), the alignment is worthless and needs to be redone.


There are threads here on the forum that explain how to check front end components, and how to check and adjust chassis ride height, if you choose to do it yourself. If you're not confident in your abilities, chassis ride height, steering linkage, and suspension components all need to be thoroughly inspected by a certified, (and hopefully competent), front end technician. I would recommend a shop that specializes in front end alignment and suspension work only. You'll pay a little more, but it'll be worth it.

 

Hey, thank you very much man. All of that was incredibly helpful information and the answer to my question! Thanks a bunch!