Self Alignment?
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Joined: May 2008
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Self Alignment?
Just replaced all ball joints and tie rod ends on my 2004 F250 4x4 Diesel. I measured and set toe in the same as before. It's about an 1/8 inch toe in. I centered the steering wheel as well. Question is...do i spend the money for a front end alignment? All they can do is set toe in and align steering wheel right? Caster and camber look good (all new upper and lower greasable ball joints). Does my toe in sound right? Thanks!
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,594
Likes: 144
From: SE Georgia
since you messed with the ball joints, I really suggest you get a proper alignment. that can throw off all 3 parameters. you will start eating front tires if the other 2 aren't correct.
true
but I know for a fact that you can do an alignment at home that'll get extremely close so she'll track straight with no abnormal tire wear...using a tape measure. but I'll only do that when I replace tie rods. If I mess with ball joints then I'll visit a shop
true
but I know for a fact that you can do an alignment at home that'll get extremely close so she'll track straight with no abnormal tire wear...using a tape measure. but I'll only do that when I replace tie rods. If I mess with ball joints then I'll visit a shop
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Tuned
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 434
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From: Somewhere in Alaska
Now, there's nothing wrong with checking that everything is the way it's supposed to be. But if it needs any adjustments, it's not because somebody "messed with the ball joints".
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Blue Hill Township
This was on my old Explorer using some jackstands, fishing line and a metal rule. It was darn close.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,594
Likes: 144
From: SE Georgia
Why? There are NO adjustments at the ball joints, unless you count the castor/camber bushing, which isn't actually adjustable. It's indexed so you need to actually replace it to change either the castor or camber.
Now, there's nothing wrong with checking that everything is the way it's supposed to be. But if it needs any adjustments, it's not because somebody "messed with the ball joints".
Now, there's nothing wrong with checking that everything is the way it's supposed to be. But if it needs any adjustments, it's not because somebody "messed with the ball joints".
at $300-400 per tire, I will gladly go spend $80 and get an alignment done to prevent cupping of tires. especially if they're like new
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