Aligment/ steering problems

[marcwithaC]

I had a thought on the binding problem. Could it have anything to do with the alignment being off? I ask because the steering components are for lack of a better word compressed in a little because of where they are in relation to the tires, and since the tires are tilted in at the top, could that be causing the steering to bind? Maybe not, just a thought...

 

[4x4junkie]

Hmm, you sure? I only ask because obviously that stuff costs more money and it is a little tight right now with holidays and what not...

Yes, very.
If you want it to align properly, you'll need to raise the frontend up a bit more. The longer pitman arm will only significantly improve the steering as well.

However I don't see the wheel alignment causing the steering to bind, that sounds more like it would be related to the body lift affecting the steering column shaft.

Huh wait didn't you say the truck is sitting level? This would jus give you more lift,I don't really understand this theory either.

If the truck is currently level and you lift up the front some to correct the issue at hand here, the rear will then look saggy. The shackles are to fix that (making it level again)

 

[meterman1976]

I know for me. When I got my x. My alignment was off and the shop said they could not fix it. Wouldn't align with there machine. The tires were toed out. But once I installed the f 150 coil spacers it was great and they could get it. At that time yes the front was higher than the rear. But with the warior153 shackels it was level again. Just my 2 cents

 

[marcwithaC]

I see... I just don't want to spend more money than I have to cause its obviously the holidays and money is always tight...

 

[meterman1976]

I understand that but with the alignment off it can be a real b^&ch to drive. Its a safty issue I think. Just like breaks.

 

[marcwithaC]

I'm not driving it currently, the alignment is too far off to drive... And now my DD is giving me problems so I got to save for that too, and that takes priority over the X.

On a second note, how hard is it to install the spacers, and what year F-150 would I look to get them from? Also, would they be stock for F-150 or would I have to get the 1 1/2" ones or whatever they are?

 

[4x4junkie]

Installing spacers is easy, they just go over the same axle stud the lower coil perch sits on.

The spacers IIRC are from 2WD TIB F-150s, not sure exact years or if it's all '80-'96 trucks.
You can use some 1-3/8" I.D. washers to raise it up too.

 

[marcwithaC]

Alright, thanks, maybe I'll give it a shot after the holidays. I have no spare time or money right now. Thanks for all the help guys.