Wheel Alignment
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Wheel Alignment
I am looking for directions for doing my own front wheel alignment on my 86 F150 4x4 302 engine.
I learned the theory of wheel alignment and actually performed it on my daily runner 2001 Chevy Astro Van AWD.
This was only using a laser pointer and simple bubble level.
Not one out of 5 pro wheel alignment gave me good results. All kinds of excuses for why it is normal to have a slight pull to the right.
Now I can drive on level straight road without a correction for as long as 30 seconds rather than constant pull on the steering wheel to offset the pull to the right on the alignment.
However, I don't know which adjustments are for camber or caster. Which bolts have the cam bushing, etc.
If someone would know what goes where and how, please give me some directions. It would be appreciated. I did not consult any manual which I don't have.
Thanks.
I learned the theory of wheel alignment and actually performed it on my daily runner 2001 Chevy Astro Van AWD.
This was only using a laser pointer and simple bubble level.
Not one out of 5 pro wheel alignment gave me good results. All kinds of excuses for why it is normal to have a slight pull to the right.
Now I can drive on level straight road without a correction for as long as 30 seconds rather than constant pull on the steering wheel to offset the pull to the right on the alignment.
However, I don't know which adjustments are for camber or caster. Which bolts have the cam bushing, etc.
If someone would know what goes where and how, please give me some directions. It would be appreciated. I did not consult any manual which I don't have.
Thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
First of all, the TTB is a pain in the rear end to align. Setting the toe isn't so bad, you just move the adjusting sleeves on the tie rod ends.
Setting the caster & camber is a whole nother story. You have to tear it down to the beam to get to the alignment shim. This means you have to remove the hub, caliper, rotor, spindle, and knuckle.
It's hard to describe how to set it, but it's one of Ford's worst designs ever. You cannot adjust camber seperately from caster. You touch one, the other moves. When you get it apart you'll see what I mean.
Setting the caster & camber is a whole nother story. You have to tear it down to the beam to get to the alignment shim. This means you have to remove the hub, caliper, rotor, spindle, and knuckle.
It's hard to describe how to set it, but it's one of Ford's worst designs ever. You cannot adjust camber seperately from caster. You touch one, the other moves. When you get it apart you'll see what I mean.
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From: Virginia
I thought the upper balljoint was mounted in an eccentric, and you turned this to adjust the camber. I keep hearing if you do a suspension lift, they have to put new cams in with more radical adjustment?
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I was told by an alignment shop that my truck has cam bushings and not shims. But I am not sure where it is or what I am getting into. Before I mess things up I would like to find out what is involved to make camber / caster adjustments.
Thanks for anyone with some info.
Thanks for anyone with some info.
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,950
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From: Virginia
Right in the middle of this picture they show the camber adjuster. The balljoint fits down inside it.
http://www.autozone.com/images/cds/g...3d800a49a4.gif
Here's a chart with the alignment specs. Notice there is no "preferred setting" for the caster. I bet it's not adjustable.
http://www.autozone.com/images/cds/g...3d800aa00f.gif
http://www.autozone.com/images/cds/g...3d800a49a4.gif
Here's a chart with the alignment specs. Notice there is no "preferred setting" for the caster. I bet it's not adjustable.
http://www.autozone.com/images/cds/g...3d800aa00f.gif
Last edited by Franklin2; Sep 17, 2005 at 08:35 PM.
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Thankyou Franklin2,
The diagram and chart are just the things I was hoping to get but didn't know to ask for.
The remaining question would be... does anyone know how the caster adjustment is made if it is possible?
Thanks guys.
The diagram and chart are just the things I was hoping to get but didn't know to ask for.
The remaining question would be... does anyone know how the caster adjustment is made if it is possible?
Thanks guys.
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By the way,
what does TTB stand for?
Where did Franklin2 get the diagram and chart? Would I be able to get to that site for other useful info?
what does TTB stand for?
Where did Franklin2 get the diagram and chart? Would I be able to get to that site for other useful info?
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Thanks Nick88. I visited the site and got some interesting info.
I took a careful peek at my truck's front end.
What I saw seems to be this:
Upper ball joint sitting inside cam bushing that is keyed into the spindle.
So to change camber it would need to be swapped out to make any difference.
The caster seems to be built-in and not adjustable.
Would anyone be able to confirm the above?
In changing the cam bushing, does this mean that the upper ball joint has to come out first? Can I just hammer it out on the threaded end with the nut in place?
Thanks again, guys.
I took a careful peek at my truck's front end.
What I saw seems to be this:
Upper ball joint sitting inside cam bushing that is keyed into the spindle.
So to change camber it would need to be swapped out to make any difference.
The caster seems to be built-in and not adjustable.
Would anyone be able to confirm the above?
In changing the cam bushing, does this mean that the upper ball joint has to come out first? Can I just hammer it out on the threaded end with the nut in place?
Thanks again, guys.
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