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10forty2's avatar
10forty2
Explorer
Sep 14, 2015

Front End Alignment

Taking my rig to a truck shop on Wednesday to get an alignment. It doesn't pull to either side, but the steering is a little more loose than I would like and I also want to see if there's any help the alignment can give me when it comes to sway from trucks/cars. I will likely get the tech to do the Cheap Handling Fix while he's under there as well. I have previously replaced the OEM sway bar bushings with poly bushings, which made a world of difference in the amount of sway since the OEM bushings were practically gone. They will also check the rear axle alignment and leaf springs.

I've read that they should set the caster to the upper end of the specs, and in talking to him on the phone to make the appointment, he had already mentioned that as one solution. Anything else to ask him to look for while under the rig?
Class A

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  • mc_cc's avatar
    mc_cc
    Explorer
    Sep 16, 2015
    I had an oscillating feel to the steering wheel every time I hit a bump. It would feel almost out of control if the bump was large, and on one occasion had the death wobble. I added a trac bar on the front and rear. It tightened the steering up. I suspect the trac bar on the front was overkill, but agree with the rear trac bar. Definitely get it aligned before adding a trac bar though.
  • DSDP_Don's avatar
    DSDP_Don
    Explorer
    Sep 15, 2015
    I've been reading the posts on here for years, taking what some people are calling improvements with a grain salt, but the number one repair for a sloppy front end, reported time and time again is a rear trac bar on the Fords.

    Always get an alignment to make sure everything is correct and do you mods one at a time so you know what actually solved/help your issues.
  • lonewolf80's avatar
    lonewolf80
    Explorer II
    Sep 15, 2015
    Had an alignment done on my 2000 Allegro. However, not all alignments are the same. If your front end is truly off the only way to align the solid front axle is to heat it and bend it with come along's to the proper specs. Then all front U-bolts should be replaced after the aligning. Same reason why many who disliked Ford trucks with the "Twin I Beam" front end. This will give you a true straight and tight front end.
  • 427435's avatar
    427435
    Explorer
    Sep 15, 2015
    Also be sure to leave the shop with a printout that says the front caster is at 4-1/2 degrees or a little more. They may try and talk you out of that, but be insistent.
  • holstein13's avatar
    holstein13
    Explorer
    Sep 15, 2015
    rgatijnet1 wrote:
    Have him check the four wheel thrust angle to make sure that your rear axle is in proper alignment with your front axle.
    If it is not in alignment it will continue to push against the front axle as you go down the road. Do not let him tell you that the rear axle is not adjustable. It is and any decent truck shop will know how to do it.
    X2 and consider installing a rear track bar. It will help a lot.
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Sep 14, 2015
    Have him check the four wheel thrust angle to make sure that your rear axle is in proper alignment with your front axle.
    If it is not in alignment it will continue to push against the front axle as you go down the road. Do not let him tell you that the rear axle is not adjustable. It is and any decent truck shop will know how to do it.

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