I'm hoping someone much more knowledgable than myself can clear this up for me. I've been told conflicting information. I'm replacing my stunts and shocks with bilstein 5100's. 2011 FX4, do I need alignment cams and where would I find this information out for certain? I've also heard "not technically but it would better to have them". I'd rather pay the money if it will be better for my truck.

Thanks,

Zane

 

What kind of alignment cams are you referring too? Like the kind that hold on the upper A arm? You probably have coilovers instead or torsion bars but I don't think shocks would require any kind of alignment cams that weren't already there.

 

They may not be required but it's good to have them, because when you go to get it aligned and they say they need them to align it properly, it's not gonna be fun to have the truck sit until you can get a set.

 

I wish I knew the answer. Several shops have told me I would need alignment cams for the front bilstein's. I don't want to scrimp if it's putting the truck at risk but I also don't to be sold a bill of goods.

 

Alignment cams are cheap! If a shop is doing the install of your bilsteins then you might as well have them do the cams while they have it apart. If you're doing it yourself then the install should only take maybe an extra 30 minutes tops.

 

Sounds like the safe plan is to have them put them on. No problem just wanted to make sure I wasn't getting screwed for a few extra bucks. Thanks for the feedback.

 

Yeah, as it's been said before they aren't a requirement it just makes it a whole heck of a lot easier to align.

 

Only vehicles I've needed cams for an alignment were with radius arms or front I beams. I've never had anyone have any issues aligning my F-150 with the lift on. They used the bolts on the lower control arms to align the camber and the tie rods to make sure both wheels pointed straight. Maybe installing cams on top the Knuckle where the upper control arms attaches may help get the alignment closer in spec. I think a pair of cams are around $50. It's not something that will brake the bank.

 

From my experience with 2" spacers, I would recommend adding the camber kit. After installing spacers (essentially same geometry change as you are embarking on) I had two alignments done at dealer over a one year span and my tires continued to wear prematurely and rode a litte rough on highway. Took it to 4WheelParts to have the kit installed and another alignment completed and what a difference it made. Good luck.