Adventures in alignment or wanderer no more

AJR wrote:
Fwiw
I just had an alignment on my 2010 E350 with 7300 miles on it. I bought it last fall and in a cross wind it was real hard to drive. Big trucks no problem.

First the camber was way off.
Initial Final
+1 ¼ +3/4
+1/8 +1/4

Caster
Initial Final
+4 ¼ +4 5/8
+4 1/8 +5 ¼

I would like to thank Harvey for his input on this issue. On the way home I kinda thought there was across wind. It was when I saw flags straight out perpendicular to the road I knew there was a cross wind. This forum is such a great place to get help and information. Thank you all.

This recap of your experience is pure speculation.

I am guessing your E350 rides for and aft level because your before settings were +4.25 and +4.125 (as opposed to what I think is a typical +3.25 and +3.50 caster with a 1.0 degree nose down vehicle). As such, if your alignment sleeves were selected to potentially add +2.0 degrees caster then your after caster could have been in the vicinity of +6.0 and +6.125.

Many E series owners report a significant improvement in handling just by reducing the tire pressure to what is actually required for the load. I can only assume your improvement is the result of +0.375 and +1.125 caster being added which is very big change in the dynamics compared to just reducing some tire pressure. If that is the case then just think of the difference had you ended up in the vicinity of +6.25 and +6.50.

If you ever have doubts about how well your rig handles do not hesitate to go back for the additional +caster. JMO.

I really do apologize for not cluing in on my E450 as having a nose down attitude of 1.0 degrees right up front because it means the final target could be +6.25 and +6.50 on a nose level unit. Instead, my initial posts had the target set for +5.25 and +5.50 unknowingly for a 1.0 nose down unit. Where as +6.25 and +6.50 would be the better target.

Having said all this your new caster settings are giving you about the same run time caster dynamics as I have on my E450 but my black and white change to get here was +2.0 degrees. Your change was as much +1.125.