front end lift

[Defcon x Zero]

how did you fix the camber on your ranger, after you added those things under the coil springs?

 

[Defcon x Zero]

tbars, how did you correct the camber on your ranger after puttin in those things under the coil springs?

 

[n0xdw]

Changing Camber on TTB front axle.

tbars, how did you correct the camber on your ranger after puttin in those things under the coil springs?

You can sometimes correct the camber simply by turning the top ball joint bushings if they have offset. I just aligned my 1985 BII tonight that has a 1991 Exploder front axle. When i installed the axle the bushings were turned such that it added to the camber. I rotated till it subtracted from the camber and added some to the caster. I am using Ranger STX type front springs and it raised it up some. If you go to much you will have issues with bump steer etc. But this has worked quite well. The good kits have the replacement steering gear pitman arms with a bigger drop to them to reset the geometry of the steering linkage. But if you only go with the STX springs, and sorry i can not remember what year you can make it work. I ordered after market and looked at the STX line and looked at free height etc in the book before ordering. Works great.
Small change in camber makes for noticeable change in toe in. So always recheck toe after any changes to alignment or suspension.

 

[Tbars4]

when i got the alignment as shown and written in that thread, they put in new bushings...then adjusted as needed...thats why an alignment runs about 150 out here and is well worth researching before you start installing parts...

 

[FROADER]

I'm curious why you're so worried about camber.

 

[n0xdw]

when i got the alignment as shown and written in that thread, they put in new bushings...then adjusted as needed...thats why an alignment runs about 150 out here and is well worth researching before you start installing parts...

I can believe that! I have done some that were over $100 if i had to install new bushings. Fortunately the bushings in my axle were such that i could simply rotate them the other way to get the camber back to about a quarter degree. Great write up by the way on that link earlier, it shows exactly what is needed.
Link for bushing install picture

Why worry about camber? Tire wear! Yes over 2 degrees of camber results in rapid tire wear even if it drives fine...

 

[FROADER]

Why worry about camber? Tire wear! Yes over 2 degrees of camber results in rapid tire wear even if it drives fine...

I know camber will mess tires up, but if you get an alignment (which really should be done after any type of lift) it's taken care of. The question was why is HE so worried about camber?

 

[Defcon x Zero]

because, my friend, ill be doing the lifting myself, so i need to know how to correct the camber myself, and seeing as how i know nothing about it, i need to ask the right questions.

 

[FROADER]

Well then you need to ask questions about toe (worse for tires than +/- camber) and caster too.

 

[Defcon x Zero]

tbars, that modifcation you made to your ranger, the f150 coil seats install, can that exact thing be done on a 1991 explorer 4x4?

 

[n0xdw]

Well then you need to ask questions about toe (worse for tires than +/- camber) and caster too.

I agree and would suggest letting a qualified shop make the corrections. But if he installs his own offset camber bushings and sets for about 1/4 degree camber and near zero toe that should get him in the ball park. I would try for very slightly positive toe like .01-04 degrees.

 

[Tbars4]

yes but, with your 1000-2000 dollar budget, i wouldn't even think of doing it...what i did with my ranger is fine for what i wanted...but for 1, rangers already have the spring over axle and it was a very inexpensive mod...you can do the same to your X with maybe war153 shackles in the rear for a cheap lift...but again, if you got the money for a decent lift, just do it instead..there are also members here in ny that have lifted trucks...you might want to take a look at their setups in person to get some ideas...

 

[Defcon x Zero]

wait wait... i thought you bought them for like 50 bucks from the dealership, installed them yourself, and then getting an alignment done for like 150, putting your front end lift ar like 200$. how is that over 1 or 2 k? and also, i think im scrapping the SOA conversion because that gives like 6" of lift in the rear and i would hafto get a very expensive setup in the front. so im just puttin in those f150coil spacers, and shackles in the back...

 

[Tbars4]

yes, that is correct on the cost plus i had and the cost of the custom tig welded shackles...my remark was to your statement in this thread, post number 13, as you had earlier said to froader you had 1000.00 at least to spend...

how much will like 33's be? all together i have like 2,000 to spend on lifting. including tires and lift.

 

[Defcon x Zero]

ok one more question. if i install the f150 coil spacers, and throw in shackles in the back giving it approx. 1.5-2" of lift all around,(since it seems like thats the best plan to start with) what would the biggest tire size that i could go? 31... 32?... and how thick? and as for rims... should i keep the 15's and just get thicker, or is bigger diameter better? sorry for all these questions that seem dumb to you guys but i dont know anything about this stuff but i would like to learn and idk how else to find answers..

 

[Tbars4]

here is a link to my truck pics as it sits now... http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=186873

it is now with the coil spacers and it has 2" taller springs than you do i believe...so it's a total of 4" lift...the pics show it with 32x11.50's on...if you look at the pics of before, that is a 2" lift and the tires shown there are 31x10.50x15...if you notice, the truck is still wearing it's original 15x7 deerhooves it came with...most of all your questions on lifts can be found easily with the search button...thats why we take the time to do all these writeups for you... have fun on your new project...

 

[Defcon x Zero]

thanks so much tbars and everybody else. i went down to the ford dealership today and ordered the coil seats. probly gonna order shackles tonight... just wana say thanks so much again to everyone for all your help and advice.

 

[Tbars4]

i was going to say you could get them at the jy off a mid nineties f150...you can get the shackles at any 4wheelparts.com and they are like 63 bucks..some guys go with the cheaper shackles but i like the idea that they don't sway...
you should be calling around to alot of alignment shops and tell them you are doing a 2 " lift on your truck and ask them what the price would be for the alignment...you will find a wide price range for doing the same alignment...good luck and post some before and after pics when you are done...