Just replaced all ball joints and tie rod ends on my 2004 F250 4x4 Diesel. I measured and set toe in the same as before. It's about an 1/8 inch toe in. I centered the steering wheel as well. Question is...do i spend the money for a front end alignment? All they can do is set toe in and align steering wheel right? Caster and camber look good (all new upper and lower greasable ball joints). Does my toe in sound right? Thanks!

 

NONONONO!!! You need to get a proper alignment. For tire wear and drive.

No they can set toe, center steering wheel, adjust caster and camber unsing an ecentric bushing in the upper joints.

 

where do i purchase an ecentric bushing

 

lol i love the randomness of this.

 

Either a Ford dealer or any auto parts store.

 

You cannot do a proper alignment at home

 

since you messed with the ball joints, I really suggest you get a proper alignment. that can throw off all 3 parameters. you will start eating front tires if the other 2 aren't correct.
true

but I know for a fact that you can do an alignment at home that'll get extremely close so she'll track straight with no abnormal tire wear...using a tape measure. but I'll only do that when I replace tie rods. If I mess with ball joints then I'll visit a shop

 

Why? There are NO adjustments at the ball joints, unless you count the castor/camber bushing, which isn't actually adjustable. It's indexed so you need to actually replace it to change either the castor or camber.

Now, there's nothing wrong with checking that everything is the way it's supposed to be. But if it needs any adjustments, it's not because somebody "messed with the ball joints".

 

Yup, you can do an alignment at home. I've seem me do it. This was on my old Explorer using some jackstands, fishing line and a metal rule. It was darn close.

 

that's your call

at $300-400 per tire, I will gladly go spend $80 and get an alignment done to prevent cupping of tires. especially if they're like new

 

If you want to throw away $80, you can always just send it to me.