I recently installed new tie rods on my 98 Expedition and screwed up my tow so bad I was all over the road. I tweaked it back in myself so I could at least get it to the shop for an alignment right away.

I have read here that installing a caster kit and having it set to the max + caster will improve straight line handling and reduce wandering... I could do it for $50 or have the shop install for $100, question is how much improvent should I expect, is it worth the extra $100 bucks? Any feedback would be helpful. EXL.

 

I had a blazer one time and the tires on it were in fair shape when I got it,after a time it was going all over the road I checked everything I could think of and after finding nothing wrong someone advised me it's the tires.I put a new set on it drove great,THE SIDE WALLS HAD BROKEN DOWN making it hard too steer and I had the front checked out and it was in great shape.If your front end is in bad shape get it fixed to save money down the road on new tires and for the safety of you and your family.

 

Did someone say wandering.......


So, did you already have the alignment completed AFTER you installed the tie rods? Did it wander MORE, AFTER the new tie rods AND alignment? Or, was it wandering alot BEFORE AND AFTER the new tie rods and alignment??????? Need clarification.

Camber/Caster bolt and washer kit is easy to install yourself (goes on upper ball joint connection to frame brackets). However, you will need an alignment afterwards. If you can not get into specs. it allows you to. I liked it because I was able to have MORE than max. spec. postive caster. I like it, but some think my steering is too sensitive like sportcar rack and pinion steering.

If you are within alignment specs or if you at the max. postive caster setting allowed within specs. and it wanders, you could have:

1. Screwed up tire tread (put back to front and see if any change)
If it wanders less, you have a defective tire OR worn front end parts like your tie rods, idler arm or worn ball joints......unless your rear leafsprings are sagging, it could be them as well! haha!

2. Front wheel bearings could be worn

3. Too much play in the steering gear box worm gear (but be careful adjusting the screw or your steering wheel could lock up on the road!!!!!!!)

4. too much play in the outputshaft connection to the lower steering shaft coupler

5. worn pitman arm.

 

I recently had loose wheel bearings. It would wander all over the place, and sometimes wobble like a bad tire balance. Over bumps it felt like bad
shocks. It's worth a look before you spend more money.,,,,98

Idler arm is a good thing to check out too.