Leveling Kit Alignment specs
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2017
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Update:
So I had the castor bushings installed, set at 3.6 R and 3.2 L. It drives much, much better. Like way better. Still not quite as stable as it was stock, but damn close. They told me they did indeed have to reset the steering angle sensor.
So I had the castor bushings installed, set at 3.6 R and 3.2 L. It drives much, much better. Like way better. Still not quite as stable as it was stock, but damn close. They told me they did indeed have to reset the steering angle sensor.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,655
Likes: 21
From: Western MA
The castor is the most important spec in the front end, toe and camber the usual terms you hear wont effect stability. Tire wear yes. But the feeling of the truck and the steering wheel returning is all castor. When they had leaf springs it was set in the axle and you never had a problem with castor, now with the coil springs they have to locate the axle some how and then they added the radius arms. When you lift it the axle pivots down and so does your castor, you can get drop brackets for the arms and return the castor to the proper setting or the castor bushings but a pain to put in and get right as every time you adjust them you have to reset the alignment machine each and every time. I hope that the bushings will get you back in spec as they only have limited adjustment. I would get it in writing that with the castor bushings your alignment will be in spec and not close enough. Good luck
5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: CA
My alignment has never been right since installing the BDS 2 inch level. Been to 3 alignment shops. They all say “oh you were right that was off”..... then it’s still off. I’m close to returning to stock. I purchased the Fox steering stabilizer to see if that will help. I’m starting to think all these people saying their trucks track straight and true after a level are bull****ting me. Or the BDS 2 inch track bar relocation bracket and or caster bushings are some how throwing everything off. Lol. It’s funny but not funny. Also just as a side note, the 3 shops I have been to for alignment are not chain quickie garbage shops. They have been around forever and get great great reviews. So it’s hard not to trust them.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,655
Likes: 21
From: Western MA
I have the same issues with the same kit. I've had it supposedly aligned 3 times and still have crazy bump steer even with the fox stabilizer. I'm also wanting to go back to stock becuse it's way worse when towing my toy hauler. I get crazy sway due to bad alignment. I've heard the adjustable BDS track bar helps. I don't know what to do at this point. It's almost horrible to drive.
I figured out my issue (I think).... the track bar bolt (over 400 foot lbs of torque) on the drop bracket was a hair loose. Once I put some locktit on it and torqued as much as I could it’s been fine ever since. I wouldn’t say it’s perfect but it’s much better.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 810
Likes: 34
From: Sarasota, FL
This is exactly the road i'm heading down. Talked to Filthy Motorsports about changing from the BDS level to King coil overs in hopes of losing the bump steer and getting my caster back down to close to normal specs. He thinks something is loose based upon what i'm experiencing however a local dealer won't even look at it because of the BDS kit and the last alignment shop never looked at the track bar bolt even though i asked them to look it over. I'm working on getting it in a heavy truck shop now to get everything inspected and tightened to spec in hopes of fixing this issue or it's coming off. I'm still wondering if the adaptive steering is playing some role in this whole issue.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 171
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From: Iowa
Originally Posted by willynilly
you could install snowplow springs if you dont have them already. probly end up with about 2" rake which looks fine imo. plus it wont be sagging with the trailer .then just sell all the leveling crap
5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: CA
I tried exactly what you did but for some reason mine seems to come a hair loose again after a few drives to work. I used a 3/4" breaker bar with a cheater on it for more torque. I'm not sure if I'm getting to the spec 400 or so ft lbs but it does help a little after I tighten it. I might go adjustable track bar or ditch this kit all together. It's just so bad when towing I don't even want to take my family with me.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,251
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just get 1" lower rear block . cheap easy and no front end problems
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 216
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I have the BDS 2 inch level. It comes with a trac bar relocation bracket and caster bushings... everything is installed. I think it might be my Deaver rear springs. I need to measure the straightness of the rear axle. The Deavers didn't have the same spacer as the stock Ford springs within the hanger. Had to add a couple washers (which Deaver said was good)...
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 102
Likes: 1
I put the BDS kit on mine and I don't have any shimmy and the steering comes back to center quickly but it has a pull to the right when the road is crowned to the right. With the BDS bushings the caster is the same on both sides of the axle. In order to make the truck go straight on roads that have crown (most) what is the correct difference in caster between left and right? Right now I have 4.0 degrees on both sides.
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