Hello,

I have a 2005 Excursion, but I thought I would ask in the Super Duty section because there are alot more 2WD truck owners here.

Recently had Ex aligned and numbers were all perfect across the board. Put 1.5" leveling spacers under my front coils and took it back in. Just FYI, I used a grinder on the steering knuckles and on outside of the upper ball joint mount area like I have seen others do.... I didn't want any problems with alignment shop.

I know the guy who does the alignments, and while he is not a "lifted truck" expert, he has over 15 years alignment experience, and does a great job.

While aligning it, he ran up against the "metal to metal" problem in the places I had already ground down a bit (about 1/8th inch on all surfaces).
He worked at the total front end for over 2 hours (including installing the aftermarket caster/camber bushings that I brought with me). When it was all said and done, these are the numbers:

Caster LF: 3.6 deg. Caster RF: 5.2 deg
Camber LF: 0.2 deg Camber RF: 1.7 deg
Toe: LF: .07 deg Toe RF: 0.0 deg (Total Toe: .14 deg)

He said that was the best he could get it unless I ground out some more metal in those areas I mentioned. Said to bring it back to him when I do.
I REALLY don't want to pull the front end apart again to grind metal

So, are those numbers "liveable", or should I bite the bullet and grind more so he can set the numbers better?

ANY thoughts from those who have been here and done this, or who know way more than I do about alignment numbers and how they affect tire wear would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you all.

James

 

Anyone?

I'm not impatient, it's just that I have to make a decision on this in the next day.

Thank you!

James

 

I can't find the 2WD specs, but from the 4WD specs I think you're OK.

 

See reply in Excursion forum

 

Thank you both for your replies.

sammie: I got your post in the Ex section. Thank you.

For anyone else who reads this, or is looking for the same answers I am, I am officially screwed... gonna wind up costing me almost half of what a "real" lift kit would have cost. Just spend the money and get a full 4" lift kit with the proper drop hangers and such included.

Why oh why did Ford use this setup for their front ends?

James

 

yeah them readings really suck u will wear tires like crazy and will pull