Allignment fixed..not by dealer
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 6
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From: Pembroke Pines, Fl.
Allignment fixed..not by dealer
Had a tracking problem with my 99 Lightning. Always having to correct the steering. Took it in to Sawgrass Ford, in Ft. Lauderdale, for an allignment.They said it was out slightly and that with big tires it was normal for the car not to track straight.
By Luck, I spoke to another owner who had the same problem with three visits to the dealer. He found a speed shop that did the job right. I took it in and after three hours on the allignment rack the car is perfect. The guy said that the dealer totally screwed up my allignment and that the wheels were going in different directions. I'M HAPPY,
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By Luck, I spoke to another owner who had the same problem with three visits to the dealer. He found a speed shop that did the job right. I took it in and after three hours on the allignment rack the car is perfect. The guy said that the dealer totally screwed up my allignment and that the wheels were going in different directions. I'M HAPPY,
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Banned
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 461
Likes: 0
From: Enfield Connecticut USA
I spoke with my dealer (Enfield Ford) regarding the problems with alignment. I even handed him exact statement below. I told him to give me the specs listed, not the specs listed in the Ford Manual.
He tried to persuade me to believe that Ford does not use Cam Bolts on any of it's trucks for the past 4 years, but I have proof from many other owners here that some vehicles came with Cam Bolts.
I told him that I wanted the Cam Bolt kit installed and that I wanted my alignment done correctly to those specs below. He told me I would have to pay for the Cam Bolts and I refused. I told him that I bought my vehicle expecting the alignment would be done correctly and would maintain it's correct specs for more then 1 week. Basically I wanted my vehicle alignment done correctly. Is that to much to ask?
"I have some new information, straight from a little birdie at SVE, NOT SVT.
He let me in on some things regarding the alignment that aren't published and should not be considered Ford's official line. IN fact, we shouldn't even be having this conversation
1. Most of the trucks do not have the cam bolts on the upper control arm bushings (cost savings by what he called "mainstream"). Some early ones got 4 cams (2 on each side) some got 2 cams and most got none.
2. The bolt hole on the rear of the drivers side lower control arm is elongated to allow for a factory setting of the Caster stagger (.5 deg)to help eliminate a pull on crowned roads. It's then tightened up but no blocking plate is installed to keep its setting. Almost every one WILL move and throw the alignment out. Mine moved and put over 8deg of caster in the left side. He suggested backing off the nut, cleaning off the frame wax with a brush and brake cleaner, installing a star washer (or lock washer) then tightening the thing down as tight as you can. An alternate suggestion was to tack weld the bolt head (it has a built in washer) to the frame. The weld could always be popped later if the bolt had to come off. Another alternative was to fabricate piece of metal that was bolted or drilled to the frame and drilled out like a washer to let the bolt pass though it.
3. Install cam bolts (it's a kit with a ford P/N, my alignment shop has them in stock) on all 4 upper control arm mounting points thus giving you complete adjustability that will lock into place.
4. Use these specs for best all around driving! (note: I don't believe in tolerences, there's no reason, with the cams, you can't get the numbers perfect)
LH Caster 6.7
RH Caster 7.2
LH Camber -0.5
RH Camber -0.5
LH Toe -0.05 (slight toe in)
RH Toe -0.05 (same)"-MARKW
He tried to persuade me to believe that Ford does not use Cam Bolts on any of it's trucks for the past 4 years, but I have proof from many other owners here that some vehicles came with Cam Bolts.
I told him that I wanted the Cam Bolt kit installed and that I wanted my alignment done correctly to those specs below. He told me I would have to pay for the Cam Bolts and I refused. I told him that I bought my vehicle expecting the alignment would be done correctly and would maintain it's correct specs for more then 1 week. Basically I wanted my vehicle alignment done correctly. Is that to much to ask?
"I have some new information, straight from a little birdie at SVE, NOT SVT.
He let me in on some things regarding the alignment that aren't published and should not be considered Ford's official line. IN fact, we shouldn't even be having this conversation
1. Most of the trucks do not have the cam bolts on the upper control arm bushings (cost savings by what he called "mainstream"). Some early ones got 4 cams (2 on each side) some got 2 cams and most got none.
2. The bolt hole on the rear of the drivers side lower control arm is elongated to allow for a factory setting of the Caster stagger (.5 deg)to help eliminate a pull on crowned roads. It's then tightened up but no blocking plate is installed to keep its setting. Almost every one WILL move and throw the alignment out. Mine moved and put over 8deg of caster in the left side. He suggested backing off the nut, cleaning off the frame wax with a brush and brake cleaner, installing a star washer (or lock washer) then tightening the thing down as tight as you can. An alternate suggestion was to tack weld the bolt head (it has a built in washer) to the frame. The weld could always be popped later if the bolt had to come off. Another alternative was to fabricate piece of metal that was bolted or drilled to the frame and drilled out like a washer to let the bolt pass though it.
3. Install cam bolts (it's a kit with a ford P/N, my alignment shop has them in stock) on all 4 upper control arm mounting points thus giving you complete adjustability that will lock into place.
4. Use these specs for best all around driving! (note: I don't believe in tolerences, there's no reason, with the cams, you can't get the numbers perfect)
LH Caster 6.7
RH Caster 7.2
LH Camber -0.5
RH Camber -0.5
LH Toe -0.05 (slight toe in)
RH Toe -0.05 (same)"-MARKW