What is a "castor split"?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
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
Posts: 17,799
Likes: 104
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!
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
"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
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,984
Likes: 2
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.....
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,637
Likes: 349
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.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
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?
Trending Topics
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
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 !!!!!
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
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.
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
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. 
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rkane
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
2
Jun 9, 2006 10:11 PM
