Professional Wheel Alignment Case Study in Morphett Vale
At Woodcroft Car Care, no two jobs are ever quite the same—and that’s exactly what makes the work so rewarding. Recently, the team had the opportunity to carry out a professional wheel alignment on a classic 1954 International AS-160 truck, originally built by the International Harvester Company of Australia.
This vintage long wheel base vehicle presented a unique challenge, combining older engineering with modern expectations for ride comfort and drivability. While these trucks are known for their durability and smooth ride over long distances, even the toughest machines require precise maintenance to perform at their best—especially when it comes to wheel alignment.
Understanding the Challenge
Long wheel base vehicles like the International AS-160 are designed to provide greater stability and a smoother ride compared to their short wheel base counterparts. However, this advantage quickly disappears if the wheel alignment is even slightly out.
Common issues caused by poor alignment in vehicles like this include:
- Uneven or accelerated tyre wear
- Steering instability or “wandering”
- Increased fuel consumption
- Reduced driving comfort
Given the size and age of this particular truck, a standard alignment approach simply wouldn’t suffice. That’s where the specialised equipment and expertise at Woodcroft Car Care made all the difference. Our large hoist can lift 6.2 tonne and a can handle a wheel base of up to 6 metres in length, making it perfect for this job.
Step-by-Step: How the Alignment Was Carried Out
Initial Assessment and Inspection
The process began with a thorough inspection of the vehicle’s steering and suspension components. On older vehicles, wear and tear can significantly impact alignment accuracy, so it’s essential to identify any issues before adjustments are made.
The technicians at Woodcroft Car Care carefully checked for signs of worn joints, bushes, or other components that could affect the outcome. This step ensures that the alignment process is built on a solid foundation.
Positioning on a Specialised Lift
Unlike standard passenger vehicles, long wheel base trucks require dedicated equipment for accurate alignment. Woodcroft Car Care utilises a specially designed lift capable of accommodating larger vehicles such as courier vans, delivery trucks, and mobile homes.
This lift allows the International AS-160 to be securely positioned, ensuring precise measurements can be taken without compromise.
Advanced 3D Alignment Setup
One of the key advantages at Woodcroft Car Care is access to a state-of-the-art 3D wheel aligner. This technology uses high-resolution sensors and cameras to measure wheel angles with exceptional accuracy.
The alignment targets were fitted to the wheels, and the system generated a detailed analysis of the truck’s current alignment geometry. This includes critical angles such as camber, caster, and toe—each playing a vital role in how the vehicle handles and wears its tyres.
Data Analysis and Adjustment Planning
Once the readings were captured, the technicians reviewed the data to determine where adjustments were needed. For a vehicle of this age, manufacturer specifications can differ from modern vehicles, requiring both experience and technical knowledge to interpret correctly.
Rather than rushing into adjustments, the team carefully planned the approach to ensure optimal results while respecting the vehicle’s original design.
Precision Adjustments
With a clear plan in place, the necessary alignment corrections were carried out. This stage requires skill and precision, particularly on older trucks where components may not behave the same way as newer systems.
Qualified mechanics performed these adjustments using specialised tools and techniques, ensuring the vehicle’s alignment was brought back within ideal parameters.
Final Checks and Verification
After the adjustments were completed, the alignment system was used again to confirm that all measurements were within the desired range. This final verification step is crucial to ensure the work delivers lasting results.
The vehicle was then carefully lowered and prepared for a road test
The Result: Improved Ride and Handling
Following the alignment, the difference in the truck’s performance was immediately noticeable. The steering felt more stable, tyre contact with the road was improved, and the overall ride quality was significantly enhanced.
For a long wheel base vehicle like the International AS-160, proper alignment restores the smooth, controlled driving experience it was designed to deliver
Why Specialist Equipment Matters
This case highlights the importance of having the right tools for the job. Not all workshops are equipped to handle long wheel base vehicles, but Woodcroft Car Care has invested in both the technology and infrastructure needed to do so.
Their 3D wheel aligner and specialised lift allow them to confidently service a wide range of larger vehicles, including:
- Courier vans
- Delivery trucks
- Mobile homes
This capability ensures that even the largest vehicles receive the same level of precision and care as any passenger car.
Trust Woodcroft Car Care in Morphett Vale
Whether it’s a modern vehicle or a classic like the 1954 International AS-160, Woodcroft Car Care combines experience, advanced equipment, and attention to detail to deliver outstanding results.
If your vehicle—especially a long wheel base model—isn’t driving quite as it should, a professional wheel alignment could make all the difference.