I had my mechanic (shade tree) install a 2" leveling kit on my 2017 XL this weekend. I immediately went to Firestone to have the front end re-aligned. What was supposed to be an $80 front end alignment, was soon re-estimated at $160. The mechanic told me the camber bolt needed to be replaced. He showed me the notation/warning that popped up on the display of his alignment machine. Indeed it did say "replace camber bolt". While I understand the difference between tow, caster and camber, I couldn't for the life of me understand why my virtually brand new camber bolt on my 2017 would need to be completely replaced. Why couldn't it simply be realigned/adjusted and retightened? Since the camber was off only slightly (nearly in the "green" zone for acceptability), I decided to have them only realign the tow (and caster if needed) and told them I may call to have them to order the camber bolt if I decided to return to do the remaining $100 worth of work). Have any of you experienced this? The truck rides great and I can't tell there are any issues....but then I guess I wouldn't, would I? I do want to make sure it's done right, but it just seemed odd to me. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

Hard to say why you would or wouldn't need a camber bolt on this new of a truck. However, just because the truck "rides great" doesn't mean there are no alignment issues. Tires are expensive, I'd probably pay the remaining $100 and ask them to warranty the alignment.

 

Maybe he doesn't communicate well or maybe you need a new mechanic.
What he should have told you is that it is highly recommended that you install a camber alignment kit that will include new bolts and camber adjusters. The camber can be set without them, however, it can be very difficult, time consuming, and more prone to being knocked out by a big bump.

EDIT:
If you don't know of a good shop, find a tire shop that doesn't do alignment and ask who they use. I buy tires from Discount tires and they have always steered me to good alignment shops. I do my own hot rods but don't mess with the street cars or truck.

 

Firestone... They quoted me a price then wanted double when I went back. I'll never step foot in one again.

I did a 2.5" level and the Ford dealer had no issue aligning it. Well, except the tech didn't tighten one of the bolts tight and after a couple of months worked loose and they had to redo it.

 

My 14 and now my 17 didn't come with camber bolts that were adjustable from the factory. So camber bolts are not unreasonable.