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FRONT END ALIGNMENT
3A-3
ALIGNMENT ADJUSTMENTS-EXCEPT H
SERIES
CASTER A N D CAMBER
NOTE: Before adjusting caster and camber angles, the
front bumper should be raised and released twice to
allow vehicle to return to its normal height. See Trim
Heights in this Section.
Caster and camber adjustments are made by means of
shims inserted between the upper control arm shaft and the
frame bracket (Fig. 3A-2). Shims may be added, subtracted
or transferred to change the readings as follows:
1. CASTER
-
transfer shims, front to rear or rear to
front.
The transfer of one shim to the front bolt from the rear
bolt will decrease positive caster.
2. CAMBER
-
change shims at both the front and rear
of the shaft.
Adding an equal number of shims at both front and rear
of the support shaft will decrease positive camber.
NOTE: Caster and camber can be adjusted in one
operation. Toe-in must be checked after changing
camber or caster.
T o adjust caster and camber, loosen the upper control
arm shaft to frame nuts, add or subtract shims as required
(see alignment correction charts
-
Figs. 3A-4 through 3A-8)
and retorque nuts.
Caster, camber and toe-in specifications can be found in
Fig. 3A-11.
NOTE: A normal shim pack will leave at least two (2)
threads of the bolt exposed beyond the nut. Difference
between front and rear shim packs must not exceed .40
inches.
If these requirements cannot be met in order to reach
specifications, check for damaged control arms and
related parts.
NOTE: Always tighten the thinner shim packs' nut first
for improved shaft to frame clamping force and torque
reten tion.
TOE-IN (FIG. 3A-3)
Toe-in, the inward pointing of both front wheels, is
checked with the wheels in the straight ahead position and
the steering wheel set straight ahead. It is the difference of
the measurements between the front and rear of both front
wheels. Correct toe-in specifications can be found in Fig. 3A-
11.
NOTE: Toe-in must be adjusted after caster and camber
adjust men t.
1. If the equipment being used measures the toe-in of
each wheel individually:
a. Set the steering gear on the high point, mark 12
o'clock position on the steering shaft and position the steering
wheel for straight ahead driving.
b. Loosen the clamp bolt at each end of each tie rod and
adjust to the total toe-in as given in Fig. 3A-11 at the end
of this Section (1/2 of total per wheel).
2. If a tram gage is being used, proceed as follows:
a. Set the front wheels in the straight ahead position.
b. Loosen the clamp bolts on one tie rod and adjust for
the proper toe-in as given in Fig. 3A- 1 1.
c. Loosen the clamp bolts on the other tie rod. Turn both
rods the same amount and in the same direction to place the
steering gear on its high point and position the steering wheel
in its straight ahead position.
3. After the adjustment has been made: See Section 3B1
of this manual for tie rod clamp orientation and positioning
for each vehicle.
PIVOT SHAFT INBOARD OF FRAME
4
CASTER
A
CAMBER
INCREASE "POSITIVE" CASTER
FORWARD
Fig. 3A-2 Caster and Camber Adjustment
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