03 Expedition alignment
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 527
Likes: 0
03 Expedition alignment
I'm reading that there is no camber adjustment from the factory for Expeditions, or at least for my year. Is this true? Just got some new tires and I'm going to get them put on and I wanted to get an alignment too but if I can't get one without a kit... I'd like to know so I can go armed with everything I need and get it all done at once. Or do it all myself but alignments and tire mounting/balancing is one thing that I've never tried even though I have access to an alignment rack and a wheel mount/balancer at the base hobby shop.
Anyone know if I can get it aligned as it is bone stock (4x4) or if I need a kit?
Anyone know if I can get it aligned as it is bone stock (4x4) or if I need a kit?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,322
Likes: 5,132
From: 0,0,1
You might not need to adjust the camber at all. I'd check it out first to see where you're at.
Got this right out of the factory service manual: "The front caster and camber are adjusted by removing the lower arm-to-frame mounting bolts and installing adjuster kits to allow the arm to be adjusted in the frame slots. Front toe is adjusted by the use of the front wheel spindle tie-rod. The rear camber is adjusted by removing the upper arm-to-wheel knuckle mounting bolt and installing an adjuster kit to allow the wheel knuckle to be adjusted in the arm slot. The rear toe is adjusted by the use of the rear toe link."
Got this right out of the factory service manual: "The front caster and camber are adjusted by removing the lower arm-to-frame mounting bolts and installing adjuster kits to allow the arm to be adjusted in the frame slots. Front toe is adjusted by the use of the front wheel spindle tie-rod. The rear camber is adjusted by removing the upper arm-to-wheel knuckle mounting bolt and installing an adjuster kit to allow the wheel knuckle to be adjusted in the arm slot. The rear toe is adjusted by the use of the rear toe link."
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 527
Likes: 0
Damn... So I need a bolt kit x4 then is what you are saying? I'd rather not get the new tires put on till I know the alignment will be good. I don't think I need any toe adjustment but the camber on both left wheels looks a little off just from the eye check. Tread wear backs this up as both left tires are worn more on the inside and the right tires are worn evenly...
Might just be bad ball joints tho? I don't want to dump a ton of $$ at this thing but if I need to do ball joints I can do it for pretty cheap myself via rockauto and I have access to a press and air tools and lifts at the base hobby shop so...
What would you recommend? The truck rides fine honestly and the suspension does not feel too worn or bouncy... Maybe just get the camber bolt kits and install them and then learn to set the alignment myself? I also have access to an alignment rack or I could just redneck it... I'd rather let the old set of tires stay on for another 500-1000 miles than put on the new ones and have them wear unevenly.
Might just be bad ball joints tho? I don't want to dump a ton of $$ at this thing but if I need to do ball joints I can do it for pretty cheap myself via rockauto and I have access to a press and air tools and lifts at the base hobby shop so...
What would you recommend? The truck rides fine honestly and the suspension does not feel too worn or bouncy... Maybe just get the camber bolt kits and install them and then learn to set the alignment myself? I also have access to an alignment rack or I could just redneck it... I'd rather let the old set of tires stay on for another 500-1000 miles than put on the new ones and have them wear unevenly.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,322
Likes: 5,132
From: 0,0,1
Exactly what I was going to suggest. The reason these trucks don't have camber adjusters is because if all of the parts are within specs then the caster will be good. Have you tested the ball joints yet? How about the front hubs, are they tight or worn?
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 527
Likes: 0
Both hubs on the left have been replaced, the rear one less than 500 miles ago, it was shot... I just pulled the hub caps off and put my phone across two of the lugs with an inclinometer app. Every single wheel is 0.5 to .07 so they are all right there. Shot tires might be the only issue here. Replace and be more diligent about rotating?
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 527
Likes: 0
Yeah I checked again tonight when I got home. 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 and 0.7 via the app. I've done pinion angles with this same app so I'm confident its not lying. I guess the tires on that side both being worn make it look like its kicking out?
Anyway, I'm getting these ATS Wranglers put on on Monday. The one with the least tread has 9/32. The second has 10/32 and the other two might as well be brand new. No plugs, no patches, they look like they'll last a good while.
Any recommendations on what tires to have the shop put where on these trucks? Thinking putting the ones with slightly more wear out back and the ones with the most tread up front to handle the turning? I drive the Expy like a granny, no flooring it from lights or anything.
Anyway, I'm getting these ATS Wranglers put on on Monday. The one with the least tread has 9/32. The second has 10/32 and the other two might as well be brand new. No plugs, no patches, they look like they'll last a good while.
Any recommendations on what tires to have the shop put where on these trucks? Thinking putting the ones with slightly more wear out back and the ones with the most tread up front to handle the turning? I drive the Expy like a granny, no flooring it from lights or anything.
Trending Topics
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,322
Likes: 5,132
From: 0,0,1
FYI, if the toe is running outward, then as you drive the bottoms of the tires get pulled out and can give the tire leaning in appearance you've described.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mackdog
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Oct 8, 2008 05:10 PM