2008 F150 FX4 SCREW Caster adjustment.
 

My truck has 93k on it, I purchased it new. Had a 2 inch leveling kit and an add a leaf in the rear put in when I first got it. Recently been doing some work on it, put in new brakes/rotors, rear shocks and tie rod ends myself. Wanted to do the front shocks myself, but ran into a problem when I removed the lower pin, I guess the leveling kit was causing a lot of pressure to be put on the LCA, so since I was having a local mechanic do the spark plugs, upper control arms and passenger side exhaust manifold, I just had him do the front shocks as well.

When I first purchased it, I got a lifetime alignment deal at my local Firestone place, and have it aligned every 5k. After this work I took it there and they told me a I needed a Moog K80087 http://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/moog-k80087 installed. They want $375 for it and say they can't adjust the caster, which on the right side measures 5.6 (spec is 3.5-5.5). I can get the parts on Amazon for $66, that $33 each side. I understand a lot of people state these kits aren't really necessary, but just make it simpler for the shop. While that might be true, I'm not inclined to fight with Firestone over the necessity of it at this point, I just want it aligned.

Couple of questions. 1. this seems like a really simple job, anything I should know about it that might make it trickier than it seems. 2. Is there any significant difference between the kit Firestone recommends and this kit https://www.amazon.com/Moog-K100070-...s=MOOG-K100070 which is $22 per side. It looks like it does the same job, fits my truck, and allows me to use the existing bolts.

Thanks in advance.

I used the K100070 when I replaced my front end components. Pretty strait forward install. Yes, you re-use the factory bolts. The only real difference between the two is that with the K80087 kit, you are loosening the nut and adjusting with the bolt. With the K100070 kit, you are loosening the bolt and adjusting with the nut. Both do the same. My guess is the deciding factor on what kit would be the condition of the stock bolts, or personal preference.

Oh, and if Firestone can't adjust the caster without the kit, they won't be able to with the kit. It doesn't give you any more adjustment than the existing slots in the frame. Like you stated, it is more for convenience...easier to dial it in.

Thanks, for $44 bucks an a half hour of work it will be worth it to take away their excuse. It cost me $180 when I bought the lifetime alignment, I figure they've done about 20 alignments, so I'm at $9 bucks per alignment and plan on putting another 50-60k miles on it.