Let's visit Camber again
My 93 2wd has ALL new components underneath; bushings, tie rods, links, ball joints, u-joints, etc. ad nauseum. ALL new from front to back. The truck has a negative camber condition when moving in reverse. I refuse to accept that it is "just the way it is"; the truck did not do this when new. As usual, when rolling the wheels 1 revolution forward, the truck resumes it's traditional factory stance and all is well.
The coil springs are the correct weight, height, and new and the shocks are what is called for. The radius arm bushings are new, rubber, and torqued to100 lb. ft.
What component(s) should I check to correct this condition of negative camber?
The coil springs are the correct weight, height, and new and the shocks are what is called for. The radius arm bushings are new, rubber, and torqued to100 lb. ft.
What component(s) should I check to correct this condition of negative camber?
"New" & "ad nauseum" don't tell us anything useful about how your truck is built. What brand, PN, & source for each "new" part? Why exactly was each one changed? Did the replacement pass the same diagnostic test that the previous one failed? And if you don't list each one (ad nauseum), we can't know what ELSE might need attention, or what you might have overlooked in your diagnosis.
But why do you care what happens when backing up? If it's aligned correctly going forward, that's good enough. You're not going to be worrying about camber or handling in Reverse because you can't go fast enough for it to matter, and you won't drive that way long enough.
But I don't recommend rubber for any suspension components - I find black Energy poly to be vastly superior.
https://www.energysuspensionparts.co...cri=8,1&filter
http://energysuspension.com/parts-search.html

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What equipment was used to align the truck? It's very difficult to find a shop with the right equipment AND someone who actually uses it correctly AND cares enough to put the time into these old trucks.
But why do you care what happens when backing up? If it's aligned correctly going forward, that's good enough. You're not going to be worrying about camber or handling in Reverse because you can't go fast enough for it to matter, and you won't drive that way long enough.
But I don't recommend rubber for any suspension components - I find black Energy poly to be vastly superior.
https://www.energysuspensionparts.co...cri=8,1&filter
http://energysuspension.com/parts-search.html
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What equipment was used to align the truck? It's very difficult to find a shop with the right equipment AND someone who actually uses it correctly AND cares enough to put the time into these old trucks.
Tires are door-post sticker sized Goodyear Wranglers with under or approx. 10k miles. Regrettably, they are Passenger spec not Light Truck. They were on the truck when I bought it in June of '17 and recent, with a long service life ahead. I estimate 10k miles of use; I have put 8700 miles on them. I rotate front tires straight back and rears to opposite front every 5k miles. Call it a sickness. Don't judge me.
Cab and Core Support bushings - Energy Suspension, Black, p/n 44107G - Rock Auto
I Beam Pivot bushings - AC Delco p/n 45G12018 - Rock Auto
Front Coil Springs - Moog p/n CC822 - Rock Auto
Leaf Spring bushings - Energy Suspension, Red p/n 42122 (Black weren't in stock) - Rock Auto
Leaf Spring Shackle - Moog p/n K150409 - Rock Auto I had to replace a replacement shackle; has rubber bushings as Poly bushings won't fit the replacement shackle's smaller bushing bore.
Radius arm bushings, rubber with spacers, cups, and steel washers, Torqued to 100 ft. lbs - Moog p/n K8361 - Rock Auto
Tie Rods L Outer - AC Delco p/n 46A0349, R Outer - AC Delco p/n 46A0348, L Inner - AC Delco p/n 46A2026, R Inner - AC Delco p/n 46B1040A - Rock Auto
Tie Rod R Inner again; changed brands due to Quality classification 46A vs 46B - MevoTech - p/n GDS1138T (Broken ball joint by improper adjustment during an Alignment) - Rock Auto
AC Delco Ball Joints, Upper - 45D0061 and Lower 45D2132 - NAPA
U-joints (2) - Dana p/n 51330X - Advance Auto Parts
Rear Air Shocks - Monroe p/n MA771 running 10lbs of air pressure - Rock Auto
Front Gas Shocks Monroe p/n 59031 - Advance Auto Parts
Exactly? The truck has 182k+ miles and a few parts were changed but not all and nothing appeared to be changed in pairs. The work appears to be of the Shop type rather than driveway shade tree. I want a rebuilt undercarriage with a known date for when these items were fresh. I recall your practical wisdom about replacement once broken; I ain't getting any younger and don't have a lift or money for Labor.
While I was under there changing parts, I cleaned and inspected all mounting surfaces, pads, buckets, brackets, and tabs.None were defective, bent, or in need of replacement. The radius arm bracket rivets are tight and complete and the spring and shock buckets showed no sectional loss due to rust. The only place I found a concern was at the driver's side core support area on the top side. A lot of sand, pine straw, and leaves had accumulated around the nut but thankfully did not stay moist to promote rust beyond surface rust. I will continue to remove any debris and keeping a watch there during routine maintenance.
But why do you care what happens when backing up? If it's aligned correctly going forward, that's good enough. You're not going to be worrying about camber or handling in Reverse because you can't go fast enough for it to matter, and you won't drive that way long enough.
For the record, I do not have stabilizer bars.
http://energysuspension.com/parts-search.html
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I was selective in using rubber for certain assemblies from the experience of using poly on my Son's truck. I used rubber radius arm bushings on my truck because of the perceived cushioning effect vs the solid poly, trading cushioning for replacement cycles. It really isn't that difficult, but again, I ain't getting younger. On my truck, I should have used rubber body bushings because of the transfer of vibration to the cab floor and seat mounts. With a 20 year replacement cycle on the rubber parts, I shoulda made that call. I chose poly leaf spring bushings because of cost despite the damn squeaking. The poly bushing pack was 1/3 less than the rubber components sold individually.
Regarding Black poly vs red: is there a difference in strength, performance, or specification? Or is it simply color of the material? I didn't want the red color peeking out but it does on the leaf spring bushings.
As far as NTB's or Jackie's Alignment equipment brands, I have no idea of brand or if it is optical/digital or mechanical/analog.
My only unknown on the truck is what degree the caster adjusters are. I removed them when I did the ball joints but do not remember the markings on them (or looking to know, for that matter). From the word I got, the Technician at Jackie's will check and recommend or change the parts to facilitate the proper adjustment. The truck was owned by a professional Carpenter and laden with his tools. I can only assume that the caster had been set with that weight using the correct parts. I will advise the Tech of this and ask that it be verified and adjusted for the set-up now; i.e.: unladen.
Last edited by stxlt; Aug 26, 2018 at 11:18 AM. Reason: To prevent site time-out
Yes even when new that truck exhibited that very trait. Something about the suspension geometry makes them do that. I've aligned hundreds of them and they ALL did it. Just parking brand new ones right off the transport truck, turn around and look and they did it. Your concern is unfounded.
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Yes even when new that truck exhibited that very trait. Something about the suspension geometry makes them do that. I've aligned hundreds of them and they ALL did it. Just parking brand new ones right off the transport truck, turn around and look and they did it. Your concern is unfounded.
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From a mechanical view, what moves or releases to allow the camber to sag? I checked the radius arm nut torque thinking the backward (toward the front of the truck) forces compressed the rubber bushings enough to allow the sag. That isn't the cause....I tore the suspension down to check the U&L ball joints; wasn't that either. If this negative camber thing is "natural", oh well. I simply want to have the truck aligned with no call for parts or excuses.
Last edited by stxlt; Aug 26, 2018 at 10:58 AM.
I don't remember seeing it years ago, not to argue or deny what you know. I also don't recall hearing this as another reason Dodge and Chevy lovers dog Fords.
From a mechanical view, what moves or releases to allow the camber to sag? I checked the radius arm nut torque thinking the backward (toward the front of the truck) forces compressed the rubber bushings enough to allow the sag. That isn't the cause....I tore the suspension down to check the U&L ball joints; wasn't that either. If this negative camber thing is "natural", oh well. I simply want to have the truck aligned with no call for parts or excuses.
From a mechanical view, what moves or releases to allow the camber to sag? I checked the radius arm nut torque thinking the backward (toward the front of the truck) forces compressed the rubber bushings enough to allow the sag. That isn't the cause....I tore the suspension down to check the U&L ball joints; wasn't that either. If this negative camber thing is "natural", oh well. I simply want to have the truck aligned with no call for parts or excuses.
If your alignment tech knows what he's doing the truck will drive perfect and the tires will wear normally, unless you plan to drive in reverse for long distances lol.
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Nah, none of that Stunt show stuff anymore anyway.
Guess I'll accept the quirkiness. Mt biggest concern is the way the tires scrub the asphalt when backing up; makes a shearing/tearing sound that sounds like new tires soon! I also noticed the steering got some resistance to it while backing. I sure don't want Sweetie driving the truck and hafta go fetch her from some store or worse because something gave out.
Did the 8th generation trucks do this or is it just these 92-97s?
Guess I'll accept the quirkiness. Mt biggest concern is the way the tires scrub the asphalt when backing up; makes a shearing/tearing sound that sounds like new tires soon! I also noticed the steering got some resistance to it while backing. I sure don't want Sweetie driving the truck and hafta go fetch her from some store or worse because something gave out.
Did the 8th generation trucks do this or is it just these 92-97s?
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(phone app link)That's impressive. I've WAILED on some BJs, and never broken one. Did you see it happen? I'm curious how it was done.
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Are the U-bolts torqued?
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Are the spring tip liners in-place, OR are the springs greased?
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How much lean does it have?
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At least one of the radius arm brackets is bolted on at the factory; if the bushings have ever been replaced, the other should be bolted, too. Make sure it's done this way:
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(phone app link)Huh? What was leaking, and how did you stop it? Did you repair something, or replace something, or just tighten something?That's the worst reason you've mentioned so far. I could give a crap what anyone thinks or says about any of my old beaters. Most of the ones who talk $#!+ to me about them have asked me at least once (usually several times) to pull them out, or help when they've broken down in their newer, nicer, ex$pen$iver vehicles.Everyone (including me) who rode in my truck before & after I switched to poly commented how much smoother & quieter it rides with poly.Then you didn't install them correctly. If they're greased (as instructed & supplied), they're silent. All mine are.All 3. Black Energy poly is the only poly with graphite mixed in (which is why I assume the black PNs all end with "G" instead of "B"-black). So like cast Iron, it self-lubricates as it wears away.
(Too many pics for 1 reply - I had to break it into 2...)
Last edited by Steve83; Aug 26, 2018 at 01:51 PM.
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And depending on time & weather since they were last removed, it may be necessary to pre-loosen the current cams before you drop it off:
(phone app link) It's the fact that each front suspension arm (I-beam PLUS radius arm) does NOT pivot along an axis parallel to the vehicle centerline. It pivots along the axis between the "axle pivot bushing" (at the front, but on the opposite side of the truck) and the radius arm bushing (rear, same side). That causes any force parallel to the vehicle's centerline (acceleration & braking) to act as a torque moment on the front suspension. Alignment specs & steering geometry are set up to control that moment during forward travel; not rearward.
Later F150s use twin A-arm front suspension, which pivots (virtually) parallel to the centerline, and doesn't experience that torque.
Last edited by Steve83; Aug 26, 2018 at 02:00 PM.

