how to center the axel???? need help

[Thunder Chicken]

ok.....1977 with dana 44.....3.5 inch lift 2" body.......just bought and trying to install adjustable track bar..(bcbroncos one...and it has to be cut to fit so i got to get this right the first time).....visually the passenger side is sticking out farther than the driver side...but when i measure all seems to be centered.....

what the preferred /proven method fro finding the center of axel? what im doing apparently aint right

thanks in advance

 

[TN1776]

Drop a plumb bob off of the same spot on the frame, on both sides and measure the distance to a (non-steering) part of the housing like the inner c. With your drag link hooked up and without the track bar, you can move the body/frame assembly back and forth by turning the steering wheel. I believe I dropped my plumb bobs off of the upper coil spring mounts and got it centered within about 1/4" margin of error. The alignment shop was impressed with how close I got it. You can also do micro adjustments by turning the heim in and out one thread at a time so your cut has a little wiggle room.

 

[bk005]

The left machined edge of the diff right next to your cover bolts should be dead nuts center for a 77. Measure middle of frame, drop a bob and adjust.

 

[Thunder Chicken]

bk005...my measurements put me close to that ...got a picture by chance so im certain i know where your talking about?

 

[NYLES]

He talking about the flat .........hold on i got a pic.....well had a pic......if you look at the left side of your diff cover there a machined flat surface thats where center is you have to get out the tape and some chaulk to get it exact....then find center of the x memebr in the fram drop a plumb or just something pretty heaviy on a string get the string to line up with your mark near the cover

 

[NYLES]

You can also do it with a carpnters lazer if ya have one that will project the right beam, mark center of axle center of frame line em up on the lazer

 

[Thunder Chicken]

cool ill try those methods thxs guys

 

[Jeff76]

The left machined edge of the diff right next to your cover bolts should be dead nuts center for a 77. Measure middle of frame, drop a bob and adjust.

This is what I did.

 

[Jeff76]

Measure distance inside of frame rails. Mark centerpoint on cross member. Drop plumb bob. Line up with edge of diff cover.