camber adjustment

[Towelie]

hey all. I've got an 01 explorer sport and the front end has some serious negative camber. what all can I do to fix this before I go pay a shop to tell me it's not adjustable? I'm very familiar with cars I just don't know really anything about the suspension on these trucks.

 

[swshawaii]

Many threads, search "camber kits". Here's just one.

How to: Install camber adjusters 2nd Gen Explorer - Fixing a lowered X's alignment
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191742

 

[Towelie]

do I have to buy a camber kit or is there anything else that's possible before I do?

 

[swshawaii]

How far did you lower? Increasing positive toe in will offset outer tire wear caused by negative camber. Problem is you don't
want to exceed more than 3/16" in or out. Without camber kits, I can't recall any other way to dial in alignment accurately.
BTW, one kit is required for each side.

 

[Towelie]

How far did you lower? Increasing positive toe in will offset outer tire wear caused by negative camber. Problem is you don't want to exceed more than 3/16". Without camber kits, don't recall any other way to dial in camber and caster accurately. BTW, one kit is required for each side.

I haven't modded the truck in any way whatsoever. I have no idea what the PO may have done but I haven't done anything

 

[swshawaii]

Is it possible to get a free alignment check with a printout? Maybe some front pics showing tire and lower control arm angles.

 

[Towelie]

I'll see what I can do tomorrow. I can't say anything about toe or caster but the camber looks to be about -1.5 just by looking at it

 

[drdoom]

Have you tried adjusting the bolts yet? There is some adjustment available but as posted above MOOG has good kits. Check your ball joints too...
EDIT: I want to add my own limited experience with the kits my stock cam bolts were maxed and on the driver's side still by eyeball it was leaning and causing a bit of inside wear on my tires. With the kit it is nice and straight now.

 

[RomeovilleIL]

Check your ball joints too..

^^^^^^
This!

 

[Towelie]

what's the method of checking the ball joints on these trucks?

 

[swshawaii]

what's the method of checking the ball joints on these trucks?

Search "Checking Ball Joints".

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203597
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=276806
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=412026

 

[Towelie]

well the lower ball joints are bad. drivers side has like a quarter inch of play. passenger side the boot is all worn and cracked so I'm just gonna replace that one too. thanks for the help people

 

[swshawaii]

Great info, and much more detailed than the Ford WorkShop Manual. GL

"How To" threads for 1995-2001 Explorers - Stickys compiled
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=386329

 

[MAS Tequila]

You will probably need uppers also.

Get Moog parts from Rock Auto.

MT

well the lower ball joints are bad. drivers side has like a quarter inch of play. passenger side the boot is all worn and cracked so I'm just gonna replace that one too. thanks for the help people