Took my '97 F-150 S/C in for alignment after getting new tires and brakes. Dealer said they could set the toe but said they would need to install some kind of "adjustment plugs" in order to do a full alignment (castor/camber?). They claim that Ford does not include this when the trucks are built. They want $150 plus the alignment. Does this sound correct? Any comments appreciated.

 

Sad to say but, yes it is correct. You, I and many others missed a good chance to have the parts needed nstalled by Ford if we had needed a front end within the first 12,000 miles. After that we have to pay for the parts.


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97 F-150, 2WD, Reg Cab,Flareside,Dk Toreador Red, Windsor 4.6, Magnecor 8.5mm wires, Bosch Plat +4s, 3.55 LS, EGR Bug Deflector, ******* Bed Cover, Bed Liner, XL Full Length Running Boards, Air Aid Kit, Gibson Single Out Cat Back, Superchips, TransGo Shift Kit, Hellwig Rear Sway Bar, Hellwig 2500# Overload Springs

 

T Ellenberger is right. Everybody needs to take their trucks in for an alignment BEFORE it reaches 12 months or 12,000 miles. Ford will install the parts under warranty. Go to the service writer and tell him/her that your truck is starting to pull and needs to be aligned under warranty.

While you're at it, check your paint too. Got my truck repainted because of environmental damage. Same 12/12 warranty limit.

 

The fact that you need shims and such is true but I question the price. I go to a guy I have used for years and he charged me just under $100 total. Shop around, maybe you can beat that price.

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97 F-150 SC Lariat, Styleside, White over Gold, 4.6L (Windsor), Automatic, 3.55 rear end, electronic 4X4, w/ every option of Lariat and ORP packages except the 17" wheels (I even got the OR decals now!) MOD's so far: K&N air box mod, Gibson Super Truck, clear Bugflector II, Leer TSC 600 hard cover, Bridgestone Dueler OWL ATP 265/75 R-16's, TrailMaster Invader N7 shocks, Smittybilt step bars, Ford moulded mud guards, "White-white" head lamps, Cloud Rider Design's SS Grill and bumper opening, Bosch Platinum + 4's, Hayden 30K+ Tranny Cooler,Class III Reece load distributing hitch system and wiring, Electronic Escort Sensor II Brake controller, Superchip

 

I had mine done at the 11 month mark. Read about it hear on message board made a call to the dealer the next day and had the alignment done. Together we can save each other money and time.

 

Will the dealer still align the truck with the factory tires being changed. I have 8800 mile and am interested in getting the alignment done.

 

I should think they will. Hopefully.

 

Hey guys,

I just ordered a lowering kit for my truck which requires the caster/camber adjustment. It is a set of bolts with 2 large circle washers with the hole for the bolt offset clost to the edge. I ordered them from sport truck direct with my lowering kit for only $59. You can find an add for them in Truckin' Magazine.

Might save you 100 bucks or so if they are asking 150.


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Chris Thomas
1998 F-150XLT Flareside STX Sport Package, 4.6L Auto 3.55 Oxford White/Gray interior, Factory Anti-theft system
Picture: http://216.147.104.171/Y2K/members/ChrisT/christ1a.jpg
Homepage: Chris & Brandi's Universe
Mods: A.R.E. Decklid/Oxford White with gray fabric liner, K&N filter with Airbox Mod (removed silencer), Tinted Windows, GTS sloted taillight covers (painted Oxford white to match), Removed STX stickers
Audio: Kenwood Truck speakers with 10" woofers, Rockford Fosgate and Alpine Amps, Ford 10 disk CD changer
Future Mods: 3/4 Lowering Kit (Maybe 4/6 if I don't have to change tires at the same time), 20" rims and tires, True duals with Supertrap tunable mufflers, Superchip, Supercharger, Jacobs Ignition, NOS, and whatever else I can think of!!!

 

Funkster,
I installed new tires last Sept.(got rid of those sorry Goodyears), took the truck to the dealer and asked for and alignment. I had 9000 miles and about 10 days before the 12 month in service date for the truck. They did it without question. No charge.

[This message has been edited by stephen muscio (edited 02-16-2000).]

 

Thanks for the tip i will get them to align it in month or so i have only 4000 mile son it so far but when i get to 6000 i will get the dealer to do it.

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*2000 blk xlt f150
*5.4 4x4 3.55 ls
*sc orp pkg
*tow pkg, 17 inch wheels
*herculiner,remote start
*flowmaster, air box mod
*bfg ko's A.R.E. cap
*sony 10 disc cd player
*************************
****mods to come*********
LS for front diff
wms air tube
super chip

 

Steve, you should wait to get it aligned unless you notice a problem now. I just had mine done. The truck makes 12 months in a couple of weeks.

Interesting thing, though. I never realized the truck was pulling until after the alignment. Not sure if the guy adjusted for the crown in the road, the pulling I felt and attributed to the crown is gone.

One last reminder. Check your paint for environmental damage. If there's any within the 12/12 warranty period, it's fully covered by Ford. Sometimes, it's really hard to see the damage. Mine had pinhead sized holes in the clearcoat that didn't show up until I polished the paint. The wax got stuck in the pits.

 

Thanks guys..12 months or 12,000 miles. I never even noticed the fine print in the warranty manual. I have until the end of the month. $150.00 for adjusters..this site is good..very good!! These things need to be posted in BOLD...on this site. Are there any other hidden issues????

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99 XLT SC SB 4x4 4.6 Triton

 

Thanks guys. Took my truck in this morning for the alignment, windshield rattle and squeaking belt. I'll see what they say. THANKS!

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1999 F-250LD 4X4 XLT Supercab, Short Bed, 5.4L, AT, 3.73LS, 33"Wrangler ATS, Dual Exhaust, Custom Air Intake, Superchip, Color: Harvest Gold cc "Ready to Farm"

 

Took it in today one week away from 12 months..yep he changed the adjusters..free..apparently the truck comes with completely round ones(no adjusting)from the factory... Get it done

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99 XLT SC SB 4x4 4.6 Triton

 

Very good tips about the alignment and the paint in this thread...THANKS!!

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2000 F-150 XLT, 4x2, 5.4L Supercab, Styleside, Black with silver two-tone, 3.55, class III towing package with heavy duty cooling package, 4 wheel disk ABS, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, dark graphite interior, in dash CD, Pendaliner bedliner, K&N air filter, rubberized undercoating, cabin filtration system, Bugflector II, 5W-30 Mobil 1, engine build 10/4/99