alignment worries?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
alignment worries?
Hello all, this is my fist post. First I want to mention all the help that this forum has provided to me, as I am a "mechanic in training".
I have a 63 f100 2wd that I have recently (this weekend) converted to front disc brakes. I used the ECI kit, and although there were no instructions, was not too bad to figure out.
I do have 1 concern, however. The steering after the disc brake upgrade is limited. It was necessary to disconnect the linkage from the back of the spindle arm to install the caliper mounts. After the reconnect there was an obvious toe in to the tires. I adjusted the tie rod sleeve shortening the rod length between tie rod ends to compensate. Now the front end "looks" roughly straight. If i attempt to turn left I have about 2/3 of the radius than if I attempt to turn right.
Do I need to disconnect the linkage from the wheels and center the steering wheel of something? Any thoughts will help.
I have a 63 f100 2wd that I have recently (this weekend) converted to front disc brakes. I used the ECI kit, and although there were no instructions, was not too bad to figure out.
I do have 1 concern, however. The steering after the disc brake upgrade is limited. It was necessary to disconnect the linkage from the back of the spindle arm to install the caliper mounts. After the reconnect there was an obvious toe in to the tires. I adjusted the tie rod sleeve shortening the rod length between tie rod ends to compensate. Now the front end "looks" roughly straight. If i attempt to turn left I have about 2/3 of the radius than if I attempt to turn right.
Do I need to disconnect the linkage from the wheels and center the steering wheel of something? Any thoughts will help.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
smallen, Welcome to FTE 
The best truck show on earth.
I don't have an answer to your question, but wanted to make sure that you get a proper welcome to out forum. Someone will be along shortly that can help.
John
The best truck show on earth.I don't have an answer to your question, but wanted to make sure that you get a proper welcome to out forum. Someone will be along shortly that can help.
John
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 970
Likes: 3
Been a long time since I looked at one of these. With the truck jacked up and you turn the front wheels do the radius stops hit the axle in both directions? They are
adjustable if one hits sooner than the other. The second question has to be
does the caliper support interfere with something causing the limit in turning.
There should have been no way you could have changed travel of the steering gear.
I don't see why the toe in changed the supports bolt to the back side the spindle, or
did it have to be placed between the spindle/steering arms?
adjustable if one hits sooner than the other. The second question has to be
does the caliper support interfere with something causing the limit in turning.
There should have been no way you could have changed travel of the steering gear.
I don't see why the toe in changed the supports bolt to the back side the spindle, or
did it have to be placed between the spindle/steering arms?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
addendum
I just found out that the caliper mounts from ECI were catching on a frame bolt. Basically, I need to figure another way to position the caliper mount. Any ideas? There were no pictures, and the way I had them mounted did provide working brakes.
Anyone familiar with the ECI kit?
Anyone familiar with the ECI kit?
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
smallen are you sure you put the caliper mounts on right?I just did a disk conversion on my 64 and the mount went behind the steering arm.It wasn't an ECI kit but,should be the same.Have you checked out Skip's article in the tech section?I took some pics I might have one that shows how they go on.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Minishtr,
Thanks for the pics. Yeah, that is how I mounted mine as well. It is interesting that mine has bad clearance with the mount. I have used a grinder to cut back the bolts and a bit of the caliper frame, and everything works fine now.
I greatly appreciate it guys. Thanks for the help.
Thanks for the pics. Yeah, that is how I mounted mine as well. It is interesting that mine has bad clearance with the mount. I have used a grinder to cut back the bolts and a bit of the caliper frame, and everything works fine now.
I greatly appreciate it guys. Thanks for the help.