Camber and Caster Adjustment - F-250, F-350 4x4 and F-450, F-550

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford Pickup, 2005 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2005 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2005 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

SPECIAL TOOL

Steering Arm Remover 211-003 (T64P-3590-F)

CAUTION: Do not bend axles or radius arms to change alignment.

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.
With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .
Remove the front wheel(s). For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .
Remove the cotter pin and the castellated nut from the upper ball joint. Discard the cotter pin.

Fig 1: Removing Cotter Pin And Castellated Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Loosely reinstall the castellated nut.

Fig 2: Reinstalling Castellated Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Loosen the nut to the end of the lower ball joint stud.

CAUTION: Use care not to damage the brake and vacuum lines when striking the spindle.

Separate the spindle from the axle.
Remove the castellated nut from the upper ball joint.

Fig 3: Removing Castellated Nut From Upper Ball Joint
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 4: Removing Existing LH And RH Adjuster Sleeves
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tool, remove the existing LH and RH adjuster sleeves. All vehicles are built by the assembly plant with a non-adjustable camber/caster sleeve.
1. Service adjusters have an eight-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).
2. Production adjusters have a round flange with a flattened edge. The amounts of pre-set camber and caster are stamped into the top of the adjuster.
  
  Fig 5: Identifying Service Adjuster And Production Adjuster
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install interim 0 degree service adjusters to both sides of the vehicle.
Install the castellated nut to the upper ball joint.

Fig 6: Installing Castellated Nut To Upper Ball Joint
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the front wheel(s) and check caster and camber readings with the 0 degree service adjusters installed.
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 4x4 F350 P/U (pickup) with single rear wheels (SRW),
- Optimal camber spec target = 0.15 +/- 0.75.
- Optimal caster spec target = 2.5 +/- 1.2.
- Measured camber =1.2 (out-of-spec).
- Measured caster = 2.0. (within spec).
- Required camber adjustment = 0.15 - 1.2 = -0.9.
- Preferred caster adjustment = 2.5 - 2.0 = +0.5, however not required.
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.
  
  Fig 7: Identifying Camber/Caster Service Adjuster Sleeves Chart
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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
Remove the castellated nut from the upper ball joint.

Fig 8: Removing Castellated Nut From Upper Ball Joint
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tool, 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.

Fig 9: Removing Adjuster Sleeve
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Tighten the lower ball joint nut to the interim torque.

Fig 10: Tightening Lower Ball Joint Nut To Interim Torque
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the castellated nut and a new cotter pin.

Fig 11: Installing Castellated Nut And A New Cotter Pin
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Tighten the lower ball joint nut to final torque 204 Nm (150 lb-ft).

Fig 12: Tightening Lower Ball Joint Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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.
- Once the optimal caster/camber has been achieved, reset the total toe and clear vision to specification, if required. For additional information, refer to TOE ADJUSTMENT - F-250, F-350, 4X4 AND F-450, F-550 .