Wheel Alignment Specifications & Procedures GMC Suburban I

MODEL IDENTIFICATION

In this article, vehicle models are designated by series letter, which is the fifth character of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is stamped on a metal pad on top left end of instrument panel, near windshield. See MODEL IDENTIFICATION table.

MODEL IDENTIFICATION

ADJUSTMENTS

Note. For an illustration of wheel alignment angles (Scheme 1)

PRE-ALIGNMENT CHECKS

Ensure steering wheel spokes are centered and front wheels are in straight-ahead position (to correct, shorten one tie rod adjusting sleeve and lengthen the opposite sleeve in equal amounts). Ensure none of the following conditions exist

1. Incorrect vehicle riding height (see RIDING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT article).
2. Incorrect tire pressure, mismatched tires (differing size or type), excessive tire runout, imbalanced tire and wheel assemblies, loose wheel bearings, or loose wheel lug nuts.
3. Loose or worn steering linkage/suspension components, or excessive play in steering gear box.

Scheme 1

CAMBER & CASTER ADJUSTMENT

Note. Before camber and caster can be adjusted an adjustment slot must be removed from each frame bracket at the upper control arms. If slots have not already been removed, perform slot removal procedure, then perform adjustment procedure.

Slot Removal

1. This procedure requires a Knockout Remover (J-38794). (Scheme 3) Raise and support vehicle with a jack (or jackstand) under each lower control arm. Remove wheel. Remove nuts, cams, and bolts from frame brackets at upper control arm. (Scheme 2)
2. Lift control arm upward and set it aside. Note perforations at bolt hole in each frame bracket. If a protective wax coating is covering perforations, remove wax. Assemble knockout remover on frame brackets. (Scheme 3) Limited clearance may require that you remove the knockout from the outside inward (opposite of direction indicated in illustration).
3. The head of the "T" bolt and the channel of the bridge must be horizontal, aligned with knockout. Turn nut until knockout breaks loose, but do not exceed 75 ft. lbs. (102 N.m) of torque. If more torque is required, stop procedure and remove knockout with a die grinder.
4. Set control arm into position. Install bolts, cams, and nuts. Go to adjustment procedure.

Adjustment

Loosen nut on end of each bolt securing upper control arm to frame brackets. (Scheme 2) Rotate bolts until camber and caster are within specification. See ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS. Tighten nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

TOE-IN ADJUSTMENT

Note. Tie rod adjuster parts often become rusted in service. If torque required to remove nut from bolt after break-away exceeds 84 INCH lbs. (9 N.m), discard nuts and bolts and replace with correct numbered parts.

1. Center steering wheel and hold with steering wheel clamp. Loosen tie rod lock nuts or adjustment sleeve clamp bolts. Rotate inner tie rods or adjustment sleeves to align toe to specification. See «ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS»(/gmc/suburban/i-1992-1999/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-procedures) .
2. Ensure number of threads showing on each tie rod or inside each adjustment sleeve is nearly equal. Ensure tie rod ends are square before tightening lock nuts. Tighten tie rod lock nuts or adjustment sleeve clamp bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/gmc/suburban/i-1992-1999/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-procedures) .

2WD MODELS

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (2WD MODELS)

4WD MODELS

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (4WD MODELS)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• MODEL IDENTIFICATION