1997 F250HD 4X4 Alignment
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2007
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1997 F250HD 4X4 Alignment
I just replaced the inner and outer tie rod ends in this truck and will be heading to the alignment shop. Are there any other adjustments that can be made on this truck, besides toe in? I've owned this truck quite a while and have always had an issue with the steering. It feels like there isn't enough caster to self center the wheels. I feel like I'm always moving the steering wheel back and forth slightly to either go straight or bring it out of a turn. Do they make some type of caster adjustment wedges for use on these trucks? While the steering linkage was removed I checked the ball joints, no play and the spindles moved freely back and forth. The steering wheel turned freely back and forth with no binding. Thanks in advance.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 17
From: Central Indiana
There is a bushing for the upper ball joint that adjusts/corrects caster & camber. A good shop will be able to diagnose your front end and if needed, swap out the bushings for the ones that will give proper caster/camber.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,331
Likes: 292
From: Laramie, WY
Yep as Ray explained, there is an adjustment for caster/camber. Ball joints can get tight too though. I was having a similar issue; figured it was caster related. I didn't adjust the caster, but replaced all four ball joints. Initially, not much change, but as the ball joints got a few hundred miles on them the steering wheel came back to center after turns and the wandering was much improved. Just something to keep in mind.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5,776
Likes: 443
Before you take it to get aligned, I'd consider replacing ball joints with oem, and checking all of your bushings. These can be aligned properly, but it's not cheap....best to send it in for an alignment with as my wearable items replaced as possible.
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