Caster
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 12
From: SW Michigan
Caster
Hi all, I am kinda embarrassed here but I have never had to do this before. How do I set the caster on my two wheel 71 F100? I want some more positive caster before I set out on vacation. What is the stock setting supposed to be anyhow? I know more positive caster makes the steering wheel a little harder to turn but I figure my power steering can handle it. DF
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 8,238
Likes: 3
From: Oregon
Caster
I usually set me caster by taking it to my alignment guy 
But seriously dino, I've never been able to get mine 100% dialed in...I've gotten it close but its always been a little off when I've taken it in. Alignments are one of those rare situations where I place my rigs in somebody elses hands, do you not have a good alignment man out there?
If your knuckles ain't bleeding you did something wrong.
'72 F-250 "Hi-Boy" 4x4, Dana 60/HD44, FE428 @ 400 ponies , 4-speed, custom suspension w lift, mud on black.
But seriously dino, I've never been able to get mine 100% dialed in...I've gotten it close but its always been a little off when I've taken it in. Alignments are one of those rare situations where I place my rigs in somebody elses hands, do you not have a good alignment man out there?If your knuckles ain't bleeding you did something wrong.
'72 F-250 "Hi-Boy" 4x4, Dana 60/HD44, FE428 @ 400 ponies , 4-speed, custom suspension w lift, mud on black.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,494
Likes: 0
Caster
I'm not mistaken, raise the front tires off the ground, loosen the nut on the tie rod connector and turn it to your desire. You'll have to re-align the steering wheel. If the camber is off you're SOL. I've been told that a torch to the I-beam is needed. Check out the kingpins and radius arm bushings if so equipped.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 385
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Caster
the only thing that an owner can adjust is toe-in. this is done by adjusting the tie-rod ends. the caster and camber is only adjusted by using a bottle jack and tools supplied by Ford to their dealers. it involves Twisting the I-Beam to adjust caster and bending the I-Beam for camber. Not for the faint of heart.
Eric
Proud owner of a '73 F-250 4x4 High Boy, 460 V8, NP435, NP205
And a '68 Bronco 289 v8 , NP435 , Dana 20
Eric
Proud owner of a '73 F-250 4x4 High Boy, 460 V8, NP435, NP205
And a '68 Bronco 289 v8 , NP435 , Dana 20
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 12
From: SW Michigan
Caster
Well, this is not what I wanted to hear! Bending and twisting axles does NOT sound like my idea of a fun afternoon. I am going lay on my back next to the truck and stare at the front end. My if I stare at it long enough I can think of a way to modify the radius arms or lower their rear mounting points. I guess I can daydream on this for awhile- maybe I will think of some thing. DF
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 385
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Caster
Sorry DF, didn't mean to ruin your day but bending and twisting is the 'FORD' way . If you can get ahold of a Factory shop manual look up the section for suspension and axles and you'll see what I talking about. Some really cool pictures showing the apparatus the factory came up with for the dealers to set the front end up to factory specs. Good luck.
Eric
Proud owner of a '73 F-250 4x4 High Boy, 460 V8, NP435, NP205
And a '68 Bronco 289 v8 , NP435 , Dana 20
. If you can get ahold of a Factory shop manual look up the section for suspension and axles and you'll see what I talking about. Some really cool pictures showing the apparatus the factory came up with for the dealers to set the front end up to factory specs. Good luck.Eric
Proud owner of a '73 F-250 4x4 High Boy, 460 V8, NP435, NP205
And a '68 Bronco 289 v8 , NP435 , Dana 20
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 371
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Caster
Just had the caster and camber reset on my truck a few weeks back. In all honesty, take it to a place that does alignments and frame straightening. I swear it took 1 guy 25 min. to do mine and that included bending both i-beams. $50.00 later and I know it was done right.
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