Diesel_Power_2

Hello Everybody,

I have my truck in the shop as the handling at speed was terrible and had given the shop the new specs for the alignment as per the recommended specs of I think +3.0 degrees for caster. The shop had to replace the castor bolts as they broke off the lower control arms and then informed me they can only get the minimal 1/2 degree +- from 0. They recommend I install a front levelling kit to raise the front of the truck to get more castor. Does that make sense or is there anything else that could be the problem?

Thanks as always for any input/advice in advance.

9812vram

I can't answer any of those questions, but I came across this link the other day. Maybe it will help...
http://dodgeram.org/tech/specs/00_steer_specs.html

Diesel_Power_2

Yes Thanks those are the specs I am trying to get the alignment shop to set it to.
Problem is minimal caster - 1/2 degree to + 1/2 degree only when trying to set the caster and they have no answers to why only that small adjustment zone.

I will try taking it to a Frame shop as my final attempt to set it.
Thanks for the spec link though.

9812vram

The specific part of the article I was thinking of was this:

"The eccentrics on the lower control arms ARE NOT for individual wheel caster adjustments (even though our alignment machine says they are)."

Just wondered if they're setting it right.... I'm probably just chasing a rabbit here, but it wouldn't hurt to check? This guy makes it sound like it should work without any trouble...if it's done correctly.

I'll be using these same specs when I get my 98 to the shop for an alignment. I'm going to give them the article to help ensure they do it right as he explains the procedure in pretty good detail.

patdaly

Having a hard time wrapping my mind around how you would gain Caster by raising the front of the truck, everything I see would reduce your Caster........... As the truck front goes up, front axle rotates forward, which reduces Caster............

Diesel_Power_2

Hi Everyone,
Update: The alignment shop was/is having problems with their alignment machine. They took it to another shop and set it close to the specs given in the link. The truck seems easier to handle now but will see when I get to 60mph+ as that is where I want handling to be good. "Fingers crossed"

Diesel_Power_2

Just a final note. Truck is ok now and I will be keeping her around for awhile now I hope. Alot of work to get it back to decent condition but hopefully worth it.
Thanks for all the input/advice.