Fixed the alignment (needes some parts, $16 total for parts, covered under warranty) and now the steering wheel is straight for the first time and its aligned. I noticed it doesn't wander as much on the freeway and it turns into corners better. Used to feel kinda jerky when going into a corner and it was easy to over steer it, now it feels alot better.

------------------
Go Hard or Go home........
*Red 2000 SVT Lightning
*Leer Lo-Rider Bed Cover
*Swanson Performance Chip
*Adopted 3/29/00, #221
*352RWHP / 432RWTQ with Chip
-98 Mustang GT Convertible, 4.6L Supercharged with FRPP Eaton M112 @ 10psi, 310rwhp/350rwtq
to many other handling/engine mods to list.....

 

What were the parts?

Does Ford have a TSB for this problem now?

 

I would also be curious what parts the $16 buys. Thanks

 

Hey guys,

Not sure if the L is the same way as other F150's but when you align them you have to replace the upper A-arm bolts and the plate washer. Although the slot on the frame allows for adjustment, there is a square plate with a single hole that the A-arm bolts pass thru to hold them in place. When I lowered my truck I had to replace these with round plates with an offset hole and new bolts. By turning the round plate you could change where the bolt was located in the frame slot thus allowing for more camber/caster adjustment.

 

FWIW, I took my truck to the local NTB to get it aligned today...after lowering it 2" this last weekend.

They have state-of-the-art laser alignment racks at this shop and have done my LX and Cobra there as well. Point is, its a good shop and I've gotten to know and trust the alignment technician there.

He was able to get my truck back into spec without swapping the bolts or using an adjustable cam kit. He and I were both skeptical it could be done at first, but to be honest, just doing an eyeball alignment myself, I wasn't that far out. (like -1^ camber on both sides and too much toe-in was all).

Got it back into spec easily.
-.7^ camber on both sides, caster is fine, too.

So, if you haven't touched the suspension of your L, I'm sure you would have no problem getting it into spec with the stock parts.

I know Chris has _really_ dropped his truck, though.

------------------
Wes Tarbox
90 LX 5.0 (10.69 @ 134.7)--597rwhp/590rwtq
96 Cobra (12.63 @ 114.5)--392rwhp/433rwtq
99 Lightning (13.20 @ 103.3)--364rwhp/444rwtq
00 Expedition XLT 5.4
http://members.aol.com/Wa2fst/index.html

 

I thought when you get an alignment the plates had to be removed and be replaced with real parts (camber bolts or something, forget what their called)? The plates where for assembly line easiness, no?

Daniel

[This message has been edited by thepawn (edited 09-06-2000).]

 

Here are the parts listing.

1) FMC F65Z 3B236 BB Cam & Bolt Asy-FRT SU $10.45
1) FMC F65Z 3C178 AA Cam-FRT Susp Upr Arm $3.56



------------------
Go Hard or Go home........
*Red 2000 SVT Lightning
*Leer Lo-Rider Bed Cover
*Swanson Performance Chip
*Adopted 3/29/00, #221
*352RWHP / 432RWTQ with Chip
-98 Mustang GT Convertible, 4.6L Supercharged with FRPP Eaton M112 @ 10psi, 310rwhp/350rwtq
to many other handling/engine mods to list.....

 

My new 2000L (2300 miles) wanders all over the road too. Was this the reason you took it in? Or was it to have the clearvision (steering wheel straight) fixed? Do you, or anyone else know what alignment specs the L's like?

 

It went in for excessive tire wear on the passenger side inner part of the tire. They fixed it and now it doesn't wander like it used to. I'd say take it in and tell them it is wandering and to check the alignment. Look at your front tires also.

------------------
Go Hard or Go home........
*Red 2000 SVT Lightning
*Leer Lo-Rider Bed Cover
*Swanson Performance Chip
*Adopted 3/29/00, #221
*352RWHP / 432RWTQ with Chip
-98 Mustang GT Convertible, 4.6L Supercharged with FRPP Eaton M112 @ 10psi, 310rwhp/350rwtq
to many other handling/engine mods to list.....