What is a "castor split"?
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What is a "castor split"?
Just had my 1975 F250 aligned yesterday, and the guy said I had a "castor split", so he could adjust the "tow in", but it might pull to the right. IF, I wanted to get a retro fit kit to go on the radius arms, and replace the bushings it could be adjusted, but this would cost between 300.00 to 400.00 additional.
Any thoughts? He said the tires would not have a wear problem, just that it would pull a bit.
Also, after getting tired of watching him try to get my steering wheel straight, I decided to leave it as it was and see if I could possibly get it done myself.
Any ideas on adjusting the steering wheel?
1975 F250, SC, LWB, 460CID
Any thoughts? He said the tires would not have a wear problem, just that it would pull a bit.
Also, after getting tired of watching him try to get my steering wheel straight, I decided to leave it as it was and see if I could possibly get it done myself.
Any ideas on adjusting the steering wheel?
1975 F250, SC, LWB, 460CID
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Ashland City, TN
another guy sugested aligning the stearinwheel and then looseing something in the front and then ligning up the tires and such.
I personaly dont see any problem with takeing the stearing wheel off and putting it back on strait.
Somebody tried to say there would be a turning problem i think
but it just fits on a spindle, there is no way it can change it. lol!
I personaly dont see any problem with takeing the stearing wheel off and putting it back on strait.
Somebody tried to say there would be a turning problem i think
but it just fits on a spindle, there is no way it can change it. lol!
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"Take it off and put it on straight."
That's what I have always done
And caster split is the difference in caster between the wheels. Caster is essentially the angle the spindle is. A bicycle has tons of caster (the "rake in the front wheel") it makes the steering more stable, but harder to maneuver. As you turn the wheel, it folds over, or gains or looses camber. I don't know crap about aligning these fords, so I can't comment on technical stuff about them. Good luck
That's what I have always done
And caster split is the difference in caster between the wheels. Caster is essentially the angle the spindle is. A bicycle has tons of caster (the "rake in the front wheel") it makes the steering more stable, but harder to maneuver. As you turn the wheel, it folds over, or gains or looses camber. I don't know crap about aligning these fords, so I can't comment on technical stuff about them. Good luck
Posting Guru
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Could the alignment tech have been talking about split bushings in the radius arms? If they were deterioated, that would throw the caster alignment off. If that's the case, the truck would drive lots better with new bushings.....
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From: Albuquerque
I used the adjustable bushings for caster adjustment after lowering my ride. It worked. If the alignment is done with out centering the steering and the wheel and you pull off the wheel to correct it you will have less turns to lock on one side than the other. In other words you can turn tighter in one direction.
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Turning sharper one way than the other
Great point !
I do notice that my truck will turn tighter one direction than the other. Also, when I had it aligned, the tech wanted me to put on "kits" for the radius arms for adjustment, then put on new bushings. Approximately 400.00. What is this about?
I do notice that my truck will turn tighter one direction than the other. Also, when I had it aligned, the tech wanted me to put on "kits" for the radius arms for adjustment, then put on new bushings. Approximately 400.00. What is this about?
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borin&strokin is close.Caster split is to compensate for crown of the road,pulling,frame alignment, outher things involved are {included angle,inclination angle}short version if you drive on a normal rounded surface 2 lane road you generally want about 1/2 to 1 1/2 degrees more on the right side. Addressing the level of the steering wheel. If you pull the wheel off and move it too much, you can have more turning to one side than the outher. Your truck should have 2 tie rod sleeves with one on the draglink,and should be adjustable to set the toe properly and center the steering wheel. This should be done after camber and caster are set. IF IT PULLS HE DID NOT SET THE {CASTER SPLIT} PROPERLY realign it or find someone who know's how !!!!!
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Any opinions on how to find someone good?
I knew there had to be an answer. Any opinions on how to find someone who really knows what they are doing? I just paid $75.00 to have the alignment done, so don't really want to throw away another $75.00 for the same scenario.
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If you can really get you truck aligned $75.00 I would be suprised. Most shops will {set the toe and let go!!!}So most people wont know the diffrence,more so if they just bought new tires! In 3-6 months later, gosh I have the same tire concerns as before!!! or worse tire wear. I suggest you talk to the tech, and find out if he really knows how to align you truck, older Fords are diffrent than your run of the mill chevys and newer Fords This could mean bending I-beams to installing ball joint shims. If he tells you the machine can align anything, rember the machine will not align your truck he will. Ask alot of questions if you dont feel comfortable with the tech look some outher place. 
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