Cam Kit install when changing upper control arms
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From: Raymond, NH
Cam Kit install when changing upper control arms
Hi all, If you have done the ball joints on the front of your explorer (4WD, 1997 with torsion bar suspension), I have a question for you.
Our explorer does not have the cam kit installed, and I intend to do this while changing the upper control arms, so I can get the darned thing aligned properly.
Question is: On the passenger side, the upper control arm is a different geometry, it bolts right onto the frame without bushings...see pic here..
http://www.rockauto.com/ref/Moog/Det...K8710T_TOP.jpg
So, does the cam kit only install on the driver's side upper control arm? If so, why does rockauto.com say I need two cam kit sets?
Thanks,
Phil
Our explorer does not have the cam kit installed, and I intend to do this while changing the upper control arms, so I can get the darned thing aligned properly.
Question is: On the passenger side, the upper control arm is a different geometry, it bolts right onto the frame without bushings...see pic here..
http://www.rockauto.com/ref/Moog/Det...K8710T_TOP.jpg
So, does the cam kit only install on the driver's side upper control arm? If so, why does rockauto.com say I need two cam kit sets?
Thanks,
Phil
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Toronto ONT
Suspect the set up is similar to my 95 EB 4WD which I changed last yr.
Right (passenger) side is 2 piece as per your photo and the piece it bolts to (not necessary to replace with new) takes you as far as the camber kit, bushings, bolt, washers. The left (drivers) side was a one piece unit and bolts on with a new camber kit. Of course, a good allignment to follow.
Right (passenger) side is 2 piece as per your photo and the piece it bolts to (not necessary to replace with new) takes you as far as the camber kit, bushings, bolt, washers. The left (drivers) side was a one piece unit and bolts on with a new camber kit. Of course, a good allignment to follow.
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Upper Ball Joint
If by chance you start to change the right side of the upper ball joint assembly and it looks TOTALLY different from the left side, DON'T BE ALARMED! My right side assembly had adjustment bolts and what can be described as another assembly bolted onto the right upper ball joint assembly.
I photographed this right side upper ball joint assembly that was different with my digital camera and visited the parts department at the Ford dealership. The parts guy showed me on the parts computer that the right side has been replaced with an assembly that looks like the left side. So, what I am trying to say is that BOTH the right and left side upper ball joint assemblies will look like twins.
BE ADVISED -- the assemblies have either "L" or "R" stamped on them, so be sure and install them on the correct sides. The mechanic said they look the same, but they are slighty different in design.
'97 Ford Explorer 2-DR 4x4
I photographed this right side upper ball joint assembly that was different with my digital camera and visited the parts department at the Ford dealership. The parts guy showed me on the parts computer that the right side has been replaced with an assembly that looks like the left side. So, what I am trying to say is that BOTH the right and left side upper ball joint assemblies will look like twins.
BE ADVISED -- the assemblies have either "L" or "R" stamped on them, so be sure and install them on the correct sides. The mechanic said they look the same, but they are slighty different in design.
'97 Ford Explorer 2-DR 4x4
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It's interesting that ford has redesigned the right side control arm, because that's the one that gives caster adjustment. It will slide back and forth, to equalize the caster and prevent 'pulling' to one side or the other. With a solid control arm, there's no way to adjust the caster.....? Good move, Ford! 
I just got around to installing the camber adjusters last weekend. It was an easy job; takes a deep well 13/16" socket. My left side was OK, so I didn't bother with it. The right side adjuster brought the camber back into alignment on that side, so it's just about perfect now.
I just got around to installing the camber adjusters last weekend. It was an easy job; takes a deep well 13/16" socket. My left side was OK, so I didn't bother with it. The right side adjuster brought the camber back into alignment on that side, so it's just about perfect now.
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question bout the camber bolts...
Thanks for the reply. I do have a question though...I brought my truck to Sears to get an alignment done...they mentioned I need a new camber bolt kit.
I have the old camber bolts on the truck. I mentioned what I have to an authorized Ford dealership parts guy and one of their mechanics. Both said that I already have the camber kit installed. I think it has something to do with the funny shaped, large washers that are installed with the camber kit. Is this so?? Or was Sears just trying to make some more money off me???
Please advise ASAP.
BEAVE
'97 Ford Explorer 2DR 4WD
I have the old camber bolts on the truck. I mentioned what I have to an authorized Ford dealership parts guy and one of their mechanics. Both said that I already have the camber kit installed. I think it has something to do with the funny shaped, large washers that are installed with the camber kit. Is this so?? Or was Sears just trying to make some more money off me???
Please advise ASAP.
BEAVE
'97 Ford Explorer 2DR 4WD
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You're right Beave, that's all the camber kit is, just eccentric washers that fit over the control arm bolt. Here's a picture of them:
Camber kit
That's a tough one, on who to believe. The Ford dealer would get my vote.....
Camber kit
That's a tough one, on who to believe. The Ford dealer would get my vote.....
