Rear End Alignment

[Harry]

I have Looked at the Tech Manual regarding the rear end alignment tool and I have a couple of questions.  The "step bearings" are the left and right rubber isolated points where the left/right rear end links join the body - correct?  If so, I can't access those bolts using my lift because those are the lift points I use.  The other issue is that with the rear of the car lifted, the rear suspension droops (if that matters when checking the rear end alignment?).  Do the rear wheels need to have the weight of the car on them and be in the running position?
Also, the pointer on the alignment fixture is supposed to align with the vehicle centerline and the distance from each step bearing to the centerline is provided, but those only locate one point on the CL.  You need two points on that line to establish its location.  How is the second point established?
As always, much appreciated,
Harry

[stickandrudderman]

The weight of the car needs to be on its wheels so you can't do it on a lift that uses those points anyway.

[Garry]

Which is why you have a hoist that lifts the car from under the wheels😎

[Duncan200]

If the vehicle is drivable, I would take it to an experienced wheel alignment workshop.

They’ll be able to measure the track widths and more importantly track offset to then utilise the cross strut rod to equalise. Way more accurate way of doing it.

The hard part of this will be finding an experienced workshop.

I have a 4 post hoist and wheel alignment machine in my garage, but it would be a bit of a drive for you and chances are you’d get wet.

Doug

[Pawel66]

Are you talking about rear wheels alignment or rear axle centering with the fixture we have drawings of in the Technical Manual?

On the latter: the pointer is not pointing at the car center line, it is supposed to be pointing on the center of the pivot bolt there.

More reading here:
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=17887.msg124665#msg124665
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=13996.msg95099#msg95099
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=6689.msg41850#msg41850

[Harry]

Thanks very much.  I will delve into the referenced articles and do further research.  Pawel66 - you say that the pointer is supposed to be pointing to the center of the pivot bolt?  What is the pivot bolt that you refer to?  Seems like this might be a topic that would be bolstered by some photographs of the tool actually in use, with description.

Thanks again,
Harry

[Pawel66]

Those pictures are on the forum somewhere... I hope I am not infringing too many rights, take a look at the enclosed, from Haynes, I think.

One picture shows what we call a pivot bolt, no. 11 on the picture.

The other one shows what you use for adjustment - the side support length can be adjusted, moving axle left or right.

The third picture shows adjustment.

I am not a mechanic and getting a bit ahead of myself, but I fabricated the tool and did this adjustment, actually.

[Harry]

Excellent!  Much clearer now.  Thanks very much!