Camber and Caster Adjustment - F-250 and F-350, 4x2

Special Tool(s) 

Fig 1: Identifying Camber And Caster Adjustment - F-250 And F-350, 4X2 Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

1. Using an alignment rack and manufacturer's instructions, measure the caster and camber.
   • Refer to ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS  for optimal alignment settings.
   • If the caster and camber values are not within specification, go to the next step.
2. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
3. Remove the front wheel(s). Refer to WHEELS & TIRES .
4. Remove the pinch bolt and discard the nut.
   Fig 2: Removing Pinch Bolt And Discarding Nut

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
5. Remove the existing adjuster sleeves. All vehicles are built by the assembly plant with a non-adjustable camber/caster sleeve.
   Fig 3: Removing Adjuster Sleeve

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
   1. Service adjusters have a six-sided flange with the camber/caster adjustment range stamped into the bottom (0 degree, 1/4 degree, 1/2 degree, 3/4 degree or 1 degree, 1/1/4 degree and 1 1/2 degree).
   2. Production adjusters have a round flange with a side tab. The amounts of pre-set camber and caster are stamped into the top of the adjuster.
6. Install interim 0 degree service adjusters to both sides of the vehicle.
   Fig 4: Installing Interim 0 Degree Service Adjusters

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
7. Install the front wheel(s) and check caster and camber readings with the 0 degree service adjusters installed.
8. Calculate the maximum amount of camber and/or caster adjustment required to achieve the optimal settings, as provided in the Alignment Specifications table, by subtracting the measured values from the optimal target values.

   Example: For a 4x2 F350 P/U (pickup),

   • Optimal camber spec target = 0.62 ° 0.75.
   • Optimal caster spec target = 3.8 ° 1.2.
   • Measured camber = 1.77 (out-of-spec).
   • Measured caster = 3.0 (within spec).
   • Required camber adjustment = 0.62 - 1.77 = -1.15.
   • Preferred caster adjustment = 3.8 - 3.0 = +0.8, however not required.
     Fig 5: Calculating Camber And Caster Adjustment

     Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
9. Using the Camber/Caster Service Adjuster table, determine the appropriate replacement service adjuster needed to correct alignment. There is usually more than one combination of service adjuster and orientation that can be chosen to achieve alignment measurements within specifications. If a compromise is required, choose the adjuster and orientation which optimizes the camber value and maximizes the caster value.

   Example: continuing the above example,

   • Choose an adjuster with a 1 degree adjustment circle.
   • Set the adjuster to the 180 degree position to achieve a -1 degree camber and 0 degree caster shift setting.
   NOTE: When selecting a replacement service adjuster to achieve the desired amount of camber and caster offsets, caution is required to make sure that all other alignment characteristics (camber split, caster split and individual caster) are maintained to within their specified ranges. When in doubt which service adjuster to choose, make the selection which achieves measured results closest to the optimal targets in the following order of priority:
   • caster split
   • individual camber
   • camber split
   • individual caster
10. Remove the 0 degree service adjusters and install the appropriate replacement service adjusters to the correct rotational orientation specified in the Camber/Caster Service Adjuster table.
11. Install the pinch bolt with a new nut and tighten to 80 Nm (60 lb-ft).
    Fig 6: Installing Pinch Bolt

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
12. Install the front wheel(s). Final check the alignment. If not optimal caster/camber specification, alternate service adjuster selection or rotational orientation of the adjuster is required.
13. Once the optimal caster/camber has been achieved, reset the total toe and clear vision to specification, if required. Refer to TOE ADJUSTMENT - F-250 AND F-350, 4X2 .