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Castor, alignment, etc

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Old Jun 15, 2018 | 11:44 AM
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Question Castor, alignment, etc

I have a cheap 2.5" front lift that was install by PO (2015 supercab 4x4). It feels like I have near zero caster. I do plan to drop the front 1-1.5", so that'll help a little. So, a few questions.
What's the OEM spec for caster on these trucks?
I see aftermarket caster bushings/bolts that state adjustment ranges of up to 2.5deg caster. What's the OEM adjustment range, and what's the downside of using an 'aggressive' caster bushing/bolt set? (I assume there's a limit of adding caster this way, sometimes from tire clearance in the wheel well.)
 
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Old Jun 15, 2018 | 12:27 PM
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my research concluded that you cant adjust castor on a superduty 4X4. these trucks use a solid axle and the whole system rides on the pinon arms. using a level kit on these types of trucks has zero effect on castor. 2WD are a different story.

someone jump in and correct me if I am wrong.
 
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Old Jun 15, 2018 | 01:18 PM
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Maybe not adjustable as designed from factory? But these types of 'crash' bolts and bushings are common. From Rockauto for about $17. 2.25deg adjustability.
Also, raising suspension must cause at least a small change in caster, because the pinion radius arm rotates around a fixed point at the rear end of the arm. Maybe nearly zero change in caster.

 
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Old Jun 15, 2018 | 01:54 PM
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You would be surprised what a small lift does to caster. Yes the bushings are the fix. Have a professional do it who has experience with the caster bushings. If I remember correctly spec for caster on the 2015 trucks in 4wd it ~3.0*. When guys bring in their lifter trucks that actually have a caster adjustment built into the new arms I usually aim for ~5.5-6*. Seems extreme but it really helps with larger tires.
 
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Old Jun 15, 2018 | 01:58 PM
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Thanks! Gonna order a few caster bushings from Rockauto!
 
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Old Jun 15, 2018 | 03:20 PM
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Interesting.....can someone post a pic as to where that bushing would go on a 4wd.

i know where it goes on a 2wd and that location does not exist on a 4wd.
 
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Old Jun 15, 2018 | 03:28 PM
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Below is obviously and after market radius arm, but it shows an off-center bolt/bushing on the lower front mount point. This allows one to push/pull the lower mounting point on the axle forward/back, changing the caster angle. I'm 99% certain the cheap $20 caster bushings work the same way on an OEM radius arm.

 
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Old Jun 15, 2018 | 04:17 PM
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On a 2wd , that bushing goes here , no such point on a 4wd.

 
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Old Jun 15, 2018 | 04:21 PM
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For a 4wd , you would have to make this 300 dollar modification, plus labor


 
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Old Jun 15, 2018 | 04:35 PM
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Incorrect. The 4wd trucks use a similar bushing in the same place on the axle on the upper balljoint.
 
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Old Jun 15, 2018 | 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Evan_P
Incorrect. The 4wd trucks use a similar bushing in the same place on the axle on the upper balljoint.
that would be great ......but my 2010 f-450 does not have one. I have a Dana super 60!axle if it makes any difference.

 
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Old Jun 15, 2018 | 05:13 PM
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Originally Posted by speakerfritz


that would be great ......but my 2010 f-450 does not have one. I have a Dana super 60!axle if it makes any difference.

Yes, it must be the F-450 because my 2005 F-250 4x4 I had and my current 2011 F-250 4x4 I have now both have the bushing. I have a both the adjusting bushings and a 4" radius arm lift with additional castor adjustment and it has made a HUGE difference.
Powerstrokehelp has a vid on you tube where he says you should aim for as much as you can get but try to be at least at 3*. I know not everyone likes him so I will not link the vid.
 
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Old Jun 15, 2018 | 08:16 PM
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I am a suspension tech, and yes that cam goes on the Dana 60 also, on the upper ball joint, do them all the time, both my trucks have them, just did a 550 a couple days ago.
 
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Old Jun 15, 2018 | 08:23 PM
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Oh, upper ball joint on a 2015 4x4 too! Cool, got it, thanks.
 
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