Alignment issues

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Oct 31, 2015 | 03:02 PM

Gregxlt

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From: lugoff, sc

Alignment issues

I just installed a 2" auto springs leveling kit on my 15 FX4 with no problems. I took it to firestone for their lifetime alignment and they said it was good. On the way home I noticed it pulled hard to the right. I rescheduled for later in the week and took it back in. They are now telling me they can not get it aligned because of the leveling kit. The caster and camber are slightly off on the drivers side. Caster 4.2 and camber -.8, both in the yellow. Everything else is in the green. Toe is .10 on both sides. They are telling me I need to take it to ford to have it done right. Mentioned something about shims maybe. All I know about is a camber kit for some trucks. All my research seems to read that most do not need camber/caster adjusted after the 2" kit only toe. What do you guys think? Could the caster/camber being slightly off on the drivers side cause it to pull hard right still? I've had it to firestone twice now and I just get the feeling they don't know what they are talking about, but I could be wrong.

Nov 1, 2015 | 07:30 AM

Tom

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From: Isanti, MN

Hi Greg,

Wish I had a better answer, but I'm no alignment expert. Unequal caster and camber can cause pulling, and after messing with the suspension geometry this doesn't surprise me. I'd take it to the Ford dealer and see what they can do, their techs are typically better trained.

Nov 1, 2015 | 08:45 AM

Gregxlt

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From: lugoff, sc

I'll probably end up doing that. The auto springs website specifically states that the only adjustment that needs to be done after the install is a correction of the toe. I was going to call them on Monday before the dealer gives me the run around.

Nov 4, 2015 | 12:23 AM

tvsjr

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Do you have any local 4WD shops? I'd call them and see who they'd recommend... I bet they know someone capable of doing the more complex alignments that can come along with a lift kit.

Nov 5, 2015 | 12:17 PM

dort

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From: Windsor Ontario Canada

Possibly a radial pull in the tire, they're pretty common. Switch the front tires around and see if it pulls the other way.

Nov 5, 2015 | 05:46 PM

RigTrash601

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From: Hattiesburg, Ms.

This isn't an apples to apples comparison, but after I lifted my F250, I had all kinds of fun getting the alignment dialed in, eventually had a custom shop that installs lifts get it corrected. Took a couple of days, mostly waiting on parts, but they ended up using adjustable caster bushings.

Nov 6, 2015 | 12:21 PM

02FX4Dude

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From: Waukesha, WI

As far as I know the camber is set by the lower control arm bolts/slots. If you didn't loosen the control arm bolts when installing the lift install there shouldn't be any adjustment required for the camber. Only toe should need adjustment. Well, that's the way mine was but I only installed a 1.5" lift in the front.