2001 F150 Alignment questions...
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2001 F150 Alignment questions...
Help,
I was searching for new tires last week for my 2001 Ford F150 that has approx 39000 miles on it, and I bought the truck new. I am running the original Generals on it now, and I admit, have been a bad girl, never had them rotated.
Anyway, both tire shops told me I would have to buy a cam kit, aka alignment kit for the truck before they would touch it. Approx cost with the kit, and alignment was $200.00.
Help guys??????
I was searching for new tires last week for my 2001 Ford F150 that has approx 39000 miles on it, and I bought the truck new. I am running the original Generals on it now, and I admit, have been a bad girl, never had them rotated.
Anyway, both tire shops told me I would have to buy a cam kit, aka alignment kit for the truck before they would touch it. Approx cost with the kit, and alignment was $200.00.
Help guys??????
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
Welcome to the forum.
If that part of the alignment is off, then a kit will be needed to adjust the camber. My truck has only ever needed the toe-in adjusted once and that doesn't require a kit.
I go to my local Sears tire center. They actually hook up the truck and see what needs to aligned before quoting the job. If it is in spec, then no charge and I'm on my way.
If that part of the alignment is off, then a kit will be needed to adjust the camber. My truck has only ever needed the toe-in adjusted once and that doesn't require a kit.
I go to my local Sears tire center. They actually hook up the truck and see what needs to aligned before quoting the job. If it is in spec, then no charge and I'm on my way.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
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Here's the deal.. if you're not experiencing any pull or unusual tire wear, then don't worry about the cam kit.. just have them set the front toe.
The camber and caster readings do NOT have to be absolutely "perfect".. unless of course you're completely **** about the whole deal. Even brand new from the factory they are far from perfect. The alignment specifications allow for a "margin" of imperfection, called "specified range" and this usually allows for .5 to 1 whole degree of difference without causing any problems, although in experience you can sometimes push further from that.
Like I said.. if it's driving straight.. and tire wear isn't THAT uneven.. then just have them set the toe-in and you'll be fine.
Good luck
The camber and caster readings do NOT have to be absolutely "perfect".. unless of course you're completely **** about the whole deal. Even brand new from the factory they are far from perfect. The alignment specifications allow for a "margin" of imperfection, called "specified range" and this usually allows for .5 to 1 whole degree of difference without causing any problems, although in experience you can sometimes push further from that.
Like I said.. if it's driving straight.. and tire wear isn't THAT uneven.. then just have them set the toe-in and you'll be fine.
Good luck
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 216
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From: The first capital of Ohio
Hi Seawall438, Welcome to F.T.E.- I have to say that I agree with Jim, Steve and MazdaRangerGuyInSTL about the adjustments and setting just the tow on this vehicle. At 39000 miles there is no way that you could have done damage or worn out the alignment eccentrics in the steering system. After working at a dealership and seeing the way money is made there I have to say that this looks like a case of associated sales. The alignment doesn't make the tech or the shops much money but parts do and the shop and the tech gets 4 hours pay for a 2 hour job. Two or three of these in a day and he get paid for a twelve hour day and he only worked six of it and still have two more hours to devote to a job that is not going to make him any money. Anyhow that's if they are working on commission. But really, go in to Sears and tell them you need to have your alignment checked and at the least you want the tow adjustment set to specs. They will treat you fair.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,489
Likes: 45
From: Central NY
Originally Posted by LxMan1
Welcome to the forum.
If that part of the alignment is off, then a kit will be needed to adjust the camber. My truck has only ever needed the toe-in adjusted once and that doesn't require a kit.
I go to my local Sears tire center. They actually hook up the truck and see what needs to aligned before quoting the job. If it is in spec, then no charge and I'm on my way.
If that part of the alignment is off, then a kit will be needed to adjust the camber. My truck has only ever needed the toe-in adjusted once and that doesn't require a kit.
I go to my local Sears tire center. They actually hook up the truck and see what needs to aligned before quoting the job. If it is in spec, then no charge and I'm on my way.
Do you do a lot of business there or is that their standard policy?
thanks!
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Will be going to Sears Saturday; called got the hours. Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it!
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: St. Peter
Just to let yout know, tires plus does free alignment checks also. I cant speak for every tires plus, but the one i work at has mechanics that actually know what they're doing.
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