Nfadude

Dumb question....are the 97-01 Dana 30 axles designed to be sprung without weight on them? Will the camber change with vehicle weight on them? Imagine a Semi flatbed trailer unloaded then loaded, I hope I'm explaining well enough.
Reason for my question is that i installed a replacement front axle this weekend along with new stub axle U-joints, Hubs, Rotors,Calipers and pads, New upper and lower control arms, ***** joints, Track bar, drag link with adjuster and end, new V8 Grand tie rod with adjuster and end, OME 2" coils to replace my spacers and Bilstein 5100s.
I measured my Toe as accurately as I could before disassembly and reset the new to that measurement, I measured the original drag link and tie rod length and reset the new to that as well.
After install I have more "tire" noise than before, I'm sure I didnt get the alignment 100% correct and have an appointment on Wednesday to correct that, but figured my measurement would get me close enough that I can drive the 10 miles work until then.
The "tire noise" seems to have gotten better with driving. Is it possible that the "new" axle had sprung causing a change in caster and with driving and weight on it that it settled back closer to correct caster.
A long winded irrelevant question as Wednesdays alignment will correct all that but I was just curious.
pic for attention

OldTires

That looks really nice.

The springs should settle some over time, however I don't think that would change caster angle much. The caster in controlled by the control arm length, which is adjusted by shims on the body side. However, something obviously changed in your setup with all the new parts you put on it, so yes, have it all checked out by a professional shop.

So is your toe back to what it was? In or out?

My guess is, the tires are settling to the new wear pattern. Only question is, is the new pattern good or bad.

XJlimitedx99

From my limited experience, I do not think the axles are "sprung", as you're referring to it. I believe they are designed to be dead straight from u-joint, through carrier bearings, to opposite u-joint. Its likely your alignment is what you're hearing.

Where are you getting the alignment done? I'd have them check the front with respect to the rear if at all possible, to ensure your track bar is the proper length at ride height to center the axle.

4.3L XJ

One thing that happens with the D30 axle is a change in camber when the weight is on it. This is due to the design of the ball joints and unit bearings. When this happens the toe in changes a little too. Good call in the tire noise. It is an indication the toe in might need adjusting

Steve Hayes

Setting the drag link and tie rod to the same dimensions as your old axle is only going to get you in the ball park. You need to measure the actual toe at the tires. This is actually rather easy to do with a simple tape measure.

Nfadude

Yes I measured everything before and set the new parts accordingly, I must have been close.