1997 - 2003 F-150

Can I get alignment with a different wheel on the right rear?

Old Jul 11, 2019 | 10:15 PM
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Can I get alignment with a different wheel on the right rear?

Can I get alignment with a different wheel on the right rear?

Has 3 weld wheels and 1 oem wheel on the right rear. Will this affect me trying to get an alignment?

 
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Old Jul 12, 2019 | 12:11 AM
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It might affect it. I'd try to find a 4th weld wheel or swap out the left rear for another OEM wheel.
 
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Old Jul 12, 2019 | 02:56 AM
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I have searched high and low for another weld wheel, can't find anything..... (wish I had 4 matching......) BUT does give me a reason to get new wheels and tires in 17s (had 17s stock, and one of the previous owners "upgraded to 16s )

and don't have another oem wheel like that one either..... tires are all the same size @ 315/75/16
 
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Old Jul 12, 2019 | 11:22 AM
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I think if your tires are the same size, and the wheels are all 16s, I don't see how having the one non-matching wheel would effect alignment. I'd say go ahead and do it. I doubt any slight difference in weight back there will effect anything.

- Jack
 
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Old Jul 12, 2019 | 12:49 PM
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The rear is really not too align-able.

I think you'll be fine.
 
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Old Jul 12, 2019 | 12:52 PM
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Yes, you can depending on the alignment machine the shop uses. The rear is not aligned, only the front.
 
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Old Jul 12, 2019 | 01:26 PM
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Originally Posted by JackandJanet
I think if your tires are the same size, and the wheels are all 16s, I don't see how having the one non-matching wheel would effect alignment. I'd say go ahead and do it. I doubt any slight difference in weight back there will effect anything.

- Jack
My concern is if the wheel is not the same width and/or offset. I know the rear can't be aligned but differing geometry can affect the front.
 
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Old Jul 12, 2019 | 11:43 PM
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I used to perform alignments 15+ years ago and know live axles really aren't adjustable without major work to the backing plates/hub flanges.

I do remember the wheel sensors clipped to the wheel lips though, and giving a straight reading in comparison to the other wheels.

I guess I can go to a few alignment shops and ask, haha
 
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Old Jul 13, 2019 | 08:40 AM
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Years ago, I talked to an alignment guy who actually checked the alignment of the rear and bent the axle housing to get it aligned!!
 
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Old Jul 13, 2019 | 11:25 AM
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There is actually special shims and braces to do it, but no one really cares on. A live axle. They usually leave it. Or just get a new housing
 
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Old Aug 1, 2019 | 07:42 PM
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Getting alignment right now. $90, said they will do 1 warranty within 6 months.

Not really tripping about that, kinda just want to see where it is at.

They said the right rear wheel being different wouldn't be an issue.
 
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Old Aug 1, 2019 | 08:03 PM
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Old Aug 1, 2019 | 11:14 PM
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So, driving is a bit smoother now. One thing to note, I went to grease all the joints up last night, and need an adapter or something 90* for the idler arm. For my left inner tie rod, it won't take grease. Not sure what the deal with it is..


Here is my alignment print out:


 
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