replacing tie rod ends

[QUOTE=smscorvette]

I have done it similar to the way Ken has described, but I use one of the treads of the tire instead of marking it.  If your are doing it by yourself, you can hook your tape measure in one of the treads and measure across the front of the tires, use the same treads and measure across the back.  Adjust until the measurement is the same on the front and back of the tires.  This will get you close enough to get it to an alignment shop.  Take your measurements while the car is on the ground and the suspension has settled as described above.

Steve

[/QUOTE]

ditto

But...what if the tires are slick

This is the bestest way to do a "shadetree" alignment, no doubt. If you can take the time, and be carefull with the measurements, you can be spot-on.

Now that I thunk aboot it....I had to re-do my '74 this way after paying the Chebby dealership over $100 for a front alignment, where the only thing they really did was get the steering wheel about 3" off center. Adams' Apple38952.8790972222

Gezz, I think I said all this stuff about 8 posts ago. Settin the toe is the easy part of front end work.

Ken's got the right answer... I have done many a 4wd truck after lifting them up and puttin those big 40" or 44" tires on. This works well for them and should do fine for these little ol sharks!

I agree with all above however, when you do this, pull out easy into the street and if you hear a grinding sound, then you will need to go back and remeasure and make sure you used the same tread groove on front and back.

Thanks kstyer, and I do remember reading about this before but couldn't remember where, so thatnks to you to pumps.  I will have this baby on the road Saturday afternoon.

JR