Leveling Kit Caster Bushings

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Mar 12, 2019 | 08:24 AM

Stinson1

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Mar 2017

Posts: 211

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Leveling Kit Caster Bushings

Hello,
I am gathering info on leveling my 19 F350 with plow prep truck. Coming from my last Super Duty that I leveled that was on leaf springs the alignment was very easy and something that I was able to do in my garage at home. Set the toe 1/8" in and then adjust the drag link to center the steering wheel and I was good to go.

I absolutely do not want any monkey working on my truck unless I have to, so trying to figure out if I can do this alignment as well at home. My question is on the caster bushings, are they actually cams that can be rotated to gain more or less caster to dial in the front end? If I were to just pop these bushings in, and rotate them to give me the most caster possible with my 2" level would there be and adverse effects?

It seems that these trucks are on the verge of needed additional caster anyway? Then I can just double check my toe, and center my wheel with the drag link and then hit the road.

Thoughts?

Mar 12, 2019 | 09:11 AM

speakerfritz

Hotshot

Joined: Jul 2013

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you have to install the cams

Mar 12, 2019 | 09:43 AM

HST

Tuned

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 463

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From: COLORADO, USA

Get the Carli caster cams.

Mar 12, 2019 | 09:45 AM

Stinson1

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Mar 2017

Posts: 211

Likes: 63

Sorry I was not clear guys, Can I just install the bushings and set them to max castor and call it a day, or do I have to put it on the rack to make fine tune adjustments?

Thanks

Mar 12, 2019 | 09:45 AM

cjindna

5th Wheeling

Joined: Oct 2018

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Cams can be had in both multi-pattern or dual pattern. Most of the lift/level vendors for the SD provide/sell the dual pattern. For dual pattern you either orient it for + caster pointing the cam one way or - caster the other. For the dual pattern the amount of adjustment is fixed.

The multi-pattern cams can be a pain as you are changing both caster and, at least minimally, camber when sweeping the range of the cam.

Mar 12, 2019 | 10:56 AM

honda250xtitan

Cargo Master

Joined: Jul 2017

Posts: 2,300

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I asked Carli
"If i were to install those castor bushings after a 2.5" leveling kit and after alignment do I need another alignment? Wont the bushings just add more castor to the existing alignment and be good to go?"

Carli Response:"Correct, if installed correctly, no alignment needed".

I have a set in my toolbox waiting to be installed when i get time. Carli bushings are not adjustable they are supposed to go in one way only.

Mar 13, 2019 | 02:04 PM

Stinson1

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Mar 2017

Posts: 211

Likes: 63

Thanks guys, I think I am going to go with the BDS 2" kit. I will call them prior to ordering and get the details on the caster bushings supplied in their kit. I was able to locate the install instructions on Carli's web site and they list out which direction to face and how many degrees of caster they provide, so if needed I will use them.

If I am able to get my castor back with the cams, then the toe adjustment is not needed, I just need to center the wheel via the drag link adjustment.

After reading all the issues others are having here with steering "shake" "wobble" and death wobble I am changing one thing at a time. First I am adding some 295's making the correct tire pressure adjustments driving the truck for a baseline before I install the level.

Thanks