caster & toe on a straight axle...

jwh f-100 · Post by **jwh f-100** » July 13, 2009, 2:25 pm

Are there specific guildelines for these???

My next project is going through the front end.. Among others thing I plan to remove a leaf spring or two.

The guy that owns the local alignment shop also sells ford truck parts and owns a pile of old fords. He would be a good candidate to make the final adjustments but I want to try to get it close..

jakdad · Post by **jakdad** » July 13, 2009, 3:58 pm

Just be sure you are through playing with front and rear springs before alignment. That is the last thing to do wnen working on suspension. Good luck..............................

Uncle Skip · Post by **Uncle Skip** » July 13, 2009, 5:47 pm

Caster is pretty much preset on the front axle, but in the odd chance it might be off you set it with shims. I have the settings if it gets to that.
Toe-in should be between 1/16 and 1/8 inch.
I use two boards, along with some help from BroncoTom, hold the boards flat to the outside of the tire and measure front and back the distance between the inside of the boards and adjust it until I get the 1/16" or so toe-in between the front boards.
We did it the same way on my straight axle and BT's twin I-beam.
Both trucks track straight down the highway at 70 hands off.
Hope this helps you out.
U@ss

jwh f-100 · Post by **jwh f-100** » March 7, 2010, 1:42 pm

Skip, What I have found from doing some research is the caster varies depending on what the vehicle is used for..

A big heavy dump truck may be set low (0 deg.) to make it steer easier and something like a dragster may be set very high (10 deg.)

With my mono springs I am at 0 deg and it is sloppy at 50 - 60 mph.. I'm thinking I'll go about 4 - 5 deg. and see how it performs..

Thoughts????

Uncle Skip · Post by **Uncle Skip** » March 7, 2010, 2:01 pm

Jason. I'm pretty sure the stock caster on my axles were in the 3 to 4 degree range.
If that's what it is, I think you'll be happy with the results.
But I wouldn't go more than 4 because it will try to "hunt" at speed.
U@ss

jwh f-100 · Post by **jwh f-100** » March 8, 2010, 7:40 am

Sounds like a plan, Thanks..

norville · Post by **norville** » March 8, 2010, 6:09 pm

some guy's on the jeep forums do this all the time at home after a lift.

bob