Im having some jitters about upgrading my front axles because Im afraid the new axles will be out of alignment and the procedure looks like a total nightmare....that's IF I could even get anyone to do it up here in Alaska.

With the original axles, my truck handles and tracks great. What are the chances that I'll need alignment adjustment after doing the swap? I know the caster would be easily done with the adjustment in tie-rod length. But Im referring to the camber adjust procedure that requires bending the axle with a (probably extinct) hydraulic bending tool.

 

I just swapped a 78 F250 front suspension onto my 66 F250 and will be trying to get it aligned soon. I haven't heard much concern about camber from others who have done the swap unless they were changing the ride height. I'll stay tuned to hear what others with more experience have to say.

edit: I should add that I replaced the springs with a set of Moog CC808 progressive rate springs.

 

It's not a nightmare but you will need a properly-equipped shop and more money than you would like to spend. I have done it twice - the first time it was necessary but the second time the camber problem was caused by sagging springs, and new springs would have fixed the problem cheaper. You might check that first.
Eric

 

If you need an alignment, find the oldest shop around, that still has the old school equipment. Call around - big rig type truck shops probably your best bet along those lines. The toe-in is something you can do yourself accurately if you want to take the time. Maybe you already knew that, just sayin'.

 

LIke suggested above, find a big truck shop, one that services class 8 trucks. They will be equipped to bend the axles. Not an issue.

 

hello nehi, I did the swap on my 65 100. ofcourse I dropped my front end 2" but that is besides the point. if the front end you put under your truck was ok when you pulled it it should be ok now. it takes a bad lick to bend the axles. if you put a 4" block between the frame and axle the chamber should be about 1 1/2 degrees positive chamber. that means the tire leans out at the top 1 1/2 degrees if the axles not bent. I run my truck with 0 to 1 degrees neg. chamber with no problem. caster is built in if the axles not bent. then you set toe in. truck should ride and steer fine. good luck

 

also if the springs are weak you will have neg. chamber. using spring helpers or new springs will fix that.

 

Thanks all. Im underway with the conversion so will have to hope for the best on alignment.