What are these bolts? And where can I get them?

[hockeyadc]

I was told I need new caster bolts before I can get an alignment, and they told me it was the two bolts circled in this picture. Is this right? I can't find "caster bolts" anywhere..

 

[swshawaii]

Installing 2002 Camber/Caster Adjuster Kits
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=373576&highlight=camber+caster

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1377660,parttype,13512
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1377660,parttype,13609

 

[hockeyadc]

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1377660,parttype,13512

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1377660,parttype,13609

Those are all camber kits for the upper control arm.... This bolt goes through the lower control arm.

Edit:

Ok I think I see now. So the upper just takes the washers, and the lower takes these:

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=925966&cc=1377660

 

[hockeyadc]

For these:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=566260&cc=1377660

Since I am replacing the locking plate, do I just place one washer on the bottom or do I need to place a washer on both sides of the upper control arm bolt?

 

[swshawaii]

Camber and Caster Adjustment 8212 Front General Procedures
http://www.scribd.com/doc/216877291/Camber-and-Caster-Adjustment-8212-Front-General-Procedures

Camber Adjustment 8212 Rear General Procedures
http://www.scribd.com/doc/216877363/Camber-Adjustment-8212-Rear-General-Procedures

 

[hockeyadc]

Camber and Caster Adjustment 8212 Front General Procedures
http://www.scribd.com/doc/216877291/Camber-and-Caster-Adjustment-8212-Front-General-Procedures

Camber Adjustment 8212 Rear General Procedures
http://www.scribd.com/doc/216877363/Camber-Adjustment-8212-Rear-General-Procedures

Ok thank you so from this diagram it looks like I am only placing one washer on the bottom where the locking plate/shim was.

 

[hockeyadc]

Also, what about the bolt for the lower control arm front camber? Can I find a replacement one of these?

 

[hockeyadc]

I think the mechanic at Firestone is full of ****. I just looked at the alignment details(my girlfriend took the truck in), and it shows everything is almost perfect except caster. Which should just be adjusted with the upper control arm using this right?:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/216877291/Camber-and-Caster-Adjustment-8212-Front-General-Procedures

Why would those camber bolts make a difference?

 

[esclamada]

the only time you need those camber bolts for alignment is when you lift your suspension or the existing suspension components are bad (in which replacing the parts before alignment will help)

the oem bolts is all you need if you don't have those issues above. I do find some guys in Firestone/Tiresplus are just way too lazy to figure things out.



-----------------------------------------------------------
MY MOUNTY
http://www.facebook.com/diyfordexplorer/photos_albums

 

[hockeyadc]

I already bought the damn thing and I'm about to puy them on. It looks different than that video though..

 

[Mr Dubya]

I already bought the damn thing and I'm about to puy them on. It looks different than that video though..

Those bolts that you circled on the picture have nothing to do with alignment or caster/camber. They are massive pivot flag-bolts that serve only to keep the lower control arm connected to the vehicle. I had to order one of those suckers after it got sheared by a telephone pole.

The alignment washer / alignment kit you're being referred to is for the upper control arm. The upper control arm has two studs that pass downward through a flange on the frame, with nuts screwed to the underside. There is a 'washer' on each stud on its underside that 'locks' the stud in place for the factory-alignment. You simply replace those locking washers with the Moog alignment kit washers and then a tech can adjust them accordingly.

See the following link for a really long-winded explanation, where I linked/quoted from ANOTHER thread on the same subject. I feel I'm doomed to this never-ending cycle of explanation. I should really do a be-all-end-all writeup on it.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=373576


-Dubya

 

[hockeyadc]

Those bolts that you circled on the picture have nothing to do with alignment or caster/camber. They are massive pivot flag-bolts that serve only to keep the lower control arm connected to the vehicle. I had to order one of those suckers after it got sheared by a telephone pole.

The alignment washer / alignment kit you're being referred to is for the upper control arm. The upper control arm has two studs that pass downward through a flange on the frame, with nuts screwed to the underside. There is a 'washer' on each stud on its underside that 'locks' the stud in place for the factory-alignment. You simply replace those locking washers with the Moog alignment kit washers and then a tech can adjust them accordingly.

See the following link for a really long-winded explanation, where I linked/quoted from ANOTHER thread on the same subject. I feel I'm doomed to this never-ending cycle of explanation. I should really do a be-all-end-all writeup on it.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=373576


-Dubya

Thanks. I realized this last night when I was taking it apart. I returned the caster/camber kit and put the washers on. My girlfriend now has the car at ANOTHER tire place, and they are telling her the same thing, that she needs the aftermarket kit. I am so ####ing frustrated at this point. Why the hell can't they do their god damn job. Its a Ford, there should be no reason I have to take it to the dealership to get an alignment done.

 

[hockeyadc]

Jesus. This place said they can't do it. Do I really have to take it to a dealership???? The toe and camber is fine, can I adjust this myself?

 

[Mr Dubya]

Jesus. This place said they can't do it. Do I really have to take it to a dealership???? The toe and camber is fine, can I adjust this myself?

If you haven't done any kind of suspension geometry modification (i.e. lifts, spacers, etc) then there is NO reason why the car cannot be aligned.

What exactly are they saying is preventing them from aligning it? What specifically is out of line?


-Dubya

 

[hockeyadc]

If you haven't done any kind of suspension geometry modification (i.e. lifts, spacers, etc) then there is NO reason why the car cannot be aligned.

What exactly are they saying is preventing them from aligning it? What specifically is out of line?


-Dubya

They are saying just the Caster is out of line. They got the Toe and Camber fine, but they don't have the adjuster nuts on the control arm so I guess its too difficult for them to do the caster adjustment... I didn't change anything. I DID put on a new upper control arm/ball joint, lower ball joint, and inner and outer tie rods but everything is OEM spec.

I am going to do the caster myself. I can't stand this anymore. I am going to get a magnetic angle gauge, and just do it myself. It seems pretty damn easy actually(plus I'm not lazy like these guys).

I just don't know what caster angles to go for. Obviously it should be the same on both sides but should I adjust for a 1 degree positive caster or what?

 

[Mr Dubya]

I'm not familiar with any kind of caster specs. All I can tell you is that I had taken mine to alignment shops and never had a hitch.

 

[hockeyadc]

I'm not familiar with any kind of caster specs. All I can tell you is that I had taken mine to alignment shops and never had a hitch.

No chance you have the sheet that shows you what your angles are after its done do you? lol

 

[Mr Dubya]

No chance you have the sheet that shows you what your angles are after its done do you? lol

Sadly no, my apologies.

-Dubya

 

[hockeyadc]

Sadly no, my apologies.

-Dubya

No problem. Thank you for the help. I think I may have the papers of the failed adjustment so that should give me an idea. As long as its slightly positive and they are both the same I think I should be good. Again thanks for all the help and figuring this out.

Still blows my mind that they couldn't figure this out though

 

[swshawaii]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=293052