GCam

Hey guys, I brought my truck in for an alignment to get an idea of where it is at before I get new tires. They told me my camber is out on both wheels (blamed on axle sag?), as our front ends are non adjustable they suggest installing caster/camber kits. Is this the only way to go? Any suggestions?



They also said the toe was out on one wheel but that they could adjust that.





Thanks guys!

u2slow

When's the last time the kingpins were rebuilt?

Aside from a bent housing or bent spindles, that's about all it can be.

GCam

I can't confirm that, maybe never.

I don't think both would be bent. The garages explanation of sagging axles, would that be due to wore out kingpins?

NJTman

The cone and plastic cup can wear out, and I'm sure the lower bearing can as well.

Rebuild the upper and lower king pins, and take it back. the only thing you should need to have done is the "Toe" adjustment, and steering wheel centering again.

Look at Marks "okay, lets do our king pins", thread. Explains pretty much it all.

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...g-pins-290373/

GCam

Is there a kit that includes everything that you guys would suggest?

u2slow

The upper is a spring-loaded nylon cup that rides on a steel cone. The lower is a tapered roller bearing. Some guys have added washers to the upper in attempt to restore the spring tension and camber.

I'm still running on old tired kingpins, DIY tape measure alignment, and my tires (new 13 months ago) are wearing fine. YMMV.

I picked up new springs and cups from ORD to put in when I install my highsteer arm.

For a full kit, I saw rockauto carries USA32304.

GCam

Thoughts on a caster/camber kit?

u2slow

Shouldn't need one. If a std rebuild kit doesn't get results, start saving for a straight diff housing.

GCam

Meaning mine could be bent?

u2slow

Any diff can be bent. Not many are.

I don't know how bad the camber issue is. There should be none. I'd guess shimming or replacing the kingpin springs will correct it. Maybe change the cups too.

I don't trust what shops say anymore. I do all my own work.

GCam

Fair enough, I try to do most of my own but figured I'd get the front end checked. I will post the Report.

GCam

u2slow

Its not a lot of camber, and only 1/2 degree of variance. Seems more typical, IMO, than concerning.

Jack up each front corner and see if the tire 'straightens up' when load comes off it. Can you rock the top of the tire in and out? These two things would point to some kind of kingpin wear/slop...

GCam

I am out of town until Friday but will check the straightening and rocking.

How much camber would you be concerned with?

NJTman

I would only use Spicer parts. I picked up a kit off eBay #
222065724894

From a different vendor, at the time