LariatRyder

My buddy has installed a leveling kit on his truck and purchased 305/65/18s He went and had it aligned for $49. 5,000 miles later his ball joints (upper and lower) went out. My question is, is there a special alignment that should be done when leveling these trucks out? Thanks for all the help. btw he has a 04 screw 4x4 Lariat.

GATORB8

No special alignment, it was either their time to go, or he got tricked into replacing all his balljoints.

LariatRyder

I think the alignment wasn't performed correctly. I replaced the ball joints for him and his problem stopped. The truck did have 100000 miles on it.

GATORB8

A lot of shops will shortcut the alignment and just adjust toe-in and not caster/camber because it's quick and easy.

Fast895ohstang

it was probably just time for them to go....if i remember correctly most of the leveling kits don't change the geometry of the balljoints, just affect toe as the spacer goes on top of the strut

nashtruck

You only need the toe adjusted with the kits, but a truck with 100k on it should get the caster/camber adjusted anyway.

GATORB8

When you extend the effective coil over length, your upper and lower control arms are angled closer to the spindle at rest. Causing a more severe upper ball joint angle, the lower isn't anywhere near as critical of an angle.

Pics that may help from another thread:
https://www.f150forum.com/f4/level-k...x2/#post210639

I think the whole "toe only" line is an alignment center cop out.

Crossfire660R

i just had my front end fully aligned today actually. after putting in my 2.5" leveling kit. the guy at the shop claims my cv boots are going to tear within a year and my whole front end will be shot in no time, he also said one wheel will turn much sharper than the other.

full of BS? or just a douchebag jealous of a decent truck?

ford4wd08

^^i vote number two ive had my 2.5 for a year with zero issues. one of my uppers was shot when i put the kit it so i replaced it. none of my boots have torn or anything. if our cv's turned all the time like a crappy dodge it might be a problem, but since they dont you shouldnt have any issues.

LariatRyder

well he is taking his leveling kit off and trading his truck in. im going to install the 2.5 inch kit (actually 1.625) and henis going to give me his 305/65/18 bgf all terrians. so im the one lucking out on this. i will take it somewhere and make sure i get a good alignment.