Is caster adjustable? techs say no.

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I was first told by my dealer that the caster angle is not adjustable on our trucks. I thought he was wrong but I didn't say anything. I stopped by Les Schwab today to have my toe-in reset to zero and he was talking the same deal, not adjustable. He said the only way to do it is to use eccentric balljoints on the top or bottom depending on the year. I asked him about the eccentric adjusters on the lower control arms and he said they only move the wheel forward or back. I didn't go much farther with the subject since I don't know that much about alignment but I read a sheet of specs here that told how to set the overall caster angle with these adjusters. It would make sense too since these only move the lower control arm thereby rotating the centerline of the axle.

Does anyone here know anything about this, I hate not being sure when someone tries to pull a fast one on me. The specs on my truck were 2. 7 on the left and 2. 9 on the right for caster. I was going to have them set to 3. 5 but he said no go and the toe adjustment was free so I got out of there while the gettin' was good. The way its set up now will give a slight pull to the left when combined with the bit of positive camber on that side. This is what I was after in the first place. I would still like to have it set higher but I want to be more informed when I go in, anyone know more on alignment?

[This message has been edited by DUNE RACER (edited 10-09-2000). ]

 

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I had mine in for caster adjustment to help with steering problems. It was warranty work and cost me $0. My service manager is very knowledgable so I trusted him that it is adjustable.

For further evidence, I refer you to section 2, pages 3, 4, & 5 of the 2000 service manual. It shows there how to adjust caster on our trucks.

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2001 2500; SLT; 4x4; QC; LWB; Auto; 3. 54 LS; 265s; Camper; Tow; Sliding Rear Window; Travel Convenience Group; Cab Clearance Lamps; Forest Green

 

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There was a post about this some time back but I can't find it. However, I DID clip the information I wanted and saved it for when I need it again. The following is a quote from that post:
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Alignment programs (and service manuals I believe), give a wide acceptable range for front caster on the 4x4 Rams. I believe the range is 2 degrees to 5 degrees (if that's not correct, it's pretty close). The problem occurs when the alignment tech (independent or dealer) tells you that the measurements "checked out fine", just because they were in this broad range of acceptance.

Caster readings that fall on either end of the scale are subject to caster shimmy, even though they are "acceptable". I had to align some 30 trucks and attend a 9 hour "Dodge Ram Chassis Dynamics Diagnostics" training session (fancy name, ehh?), before finding out that 3 degrees to 4 degrees is the optimal caster setting for 4x4 Rams that eliminates caster shimmy.

Below I will post what specifications I set Ram trucks to. First I want to give a little more info on correct Ram alignments so you can see if you had a job well done.

The eccentrics on the lower control arms ARE NOT for individual wheel caster adjustments (even though our alignment machine says they are). The eccentric sleeves in the upper ball joints are for adjusting individual camber and total cross caster (difference in caster between two front wheels). This is why replacement eccentrics are positionable in eight different ways.

Once camber and cross caster are attained with the eccentrics, the lower control arm eccentrics are then used to swing the caster readings into specifications. The two eccentrics must be swung in the SAME direction in EQUAL amounts. If they are not, it will create a setback condition (one front wheel further forward than the other).

FYI - Comparing between the two front wheels, caster will cause a pull to the smaller value and camber will cause a pull to the larger value. A truck set up with caster pulling in one direction and camber pulling in the other direction, can lead to a wandering truck; even though it is "in specifications"!!!!!!

If the eccentrics on the lower control arms of your truck are not pointing the same direction, the alignment was done incorrectly and the axle was "twisted" or "forced" into position to attain the acceptable values (seen them from the factory this way, go figure).

A correct alignment will set the truck up with a slight negative cross caster (truck has slight pull to left) to compensate for right hand road crown. Camber will be equal side to side slightly on the negative side. This will help maintain acceptable camber when hauling heavy loads, as the truck tends to lift in the front when towing. Camber will then fall slightly positive when towing.

Just because the alignment shop says "it's in specifications", that does not mean it is set up for proper performance and handling!!!!!!!!!

Specifications (my personal settings for every Ram I align): all specs below are in degrees.


Left Wheel Right Wheel
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Caster 3. 2 3. 5
Cross Caster -. 3

Camber -. 10 -. 10
Cross Camber 0. 0

Toe - standard specs, (maybe a little out if you tow a lot, they will pull in as the front end lifts up).

Brent
ASE Certified
Gold Certified Chrysler tech
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Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,3. 54,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,BD valve body,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver

 

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There are caster adjusting sleeves that can be installed in the top of the knuckle where the upper ball joint stem resides. The original sleeve has the hole for the stem drilled in the center. The replacement sleeves have offset holes driled into them for adjusting the caster slightly to get the sides where you want them to be and then you can adjust some positive or negative into both sides by rotating the axle with the adjusters. You cannot adjust the caster on one side and not the other by rotating the axle. This adjustment has to be done symetrically from side to side so the sleeves are the only way to adjust the sides separately.

 

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Dune... .
The reason the Dodge Dealer is telling you that caster is not adjustable is because Dodge did not build in an adjustment for caster. The replacement adjuster sleeves that Mopar1 is refering to are an aftermarket product. I suppose the dealer feels it is not neccessary to add aftermarket parts to correct a caster problem because DC does not give them the option. If a dealer chooses to use aftermarket parts for alignment purposes I would assume the dealer would not get reimbursed by warranty.
The caster angles that you have described in your post are very close to the 3 degrees positive caster most others on this thread are recommending ( Yours being L 2. 7 & R 2. 9 ). Also your cross caster is about where I would want mine set at ( L 2. 7, R 2. 9. . 2 difference side to side). If your truck were in my alignment shop I would consider those caster specs. good.
Now IMHO the toe angle on any rear wheel drive vehicle should be set slightly toe in. That is / \. As the truck rolls down the road, resistance will slightly pull the wheels back to zero. I would set my toe in at about -. 10 to -. 20 total toe. Just my personnal preference. It sounds like others have had better success with other toe settings if they are loading their truck. That may be so.
Let me get on my soap box for a minute. Vehicle alignments are a tough way to make a living. Sometimes it can take hours to get a vehicle set up right. If a shop is only charging $50 for an alignment and it takes two hours to do the job they are losing money. It is very easy for mechanics to cut corners on alignments, or to set it "close enough". I may have fool written across my forehead, but when I go in for an alignment. I tell the service writer " I don't care what it costs. I want it done right. And I want before and after print outs of the alignments". This will better keep them honest. In my opinion find the most expensive alignment shop and use them!
Regards,
RK

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98 Properly Valved 4x4 SWB QC ISB A/T Metallic Red w/ tan cloth interior, DC nerf bars, DC two piece mud-flaps, 275 h. p. injectors, Monroe Gas Magnums, Armor Tuff spray in bed liner, Goodyear Wrangler ATS 285/75r/16, BD Heavy Duty Valve body. Walker 21468 thru flow muffler,Cobra 29 NWST CB. American Racing Wheels.

 

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I believe I was the first one to post those specs in this forum. I originally saw them in the alt. autos. dodge. trucks NG on 02-10-2000.

I am still confused. The fellow that posted these claims to be a Gold Certified Chrysler Tech. That being the case, how as a dealer is he achieving these adjustments without adding the after market adjustable sleeves? Is his dealership adding these, or are they really adjustable from the factory? Not to argue with other opinions here, but quite honestly his write up is the best I have seen about getting a RAM to drive right and seems to be beyond being a made up or embellished piece. Just wondering why he seems to think adjustment is possible, while most alignment shops think otherwise. Maybe I am just dense?? I certainly am not an alignment tech. Just searching for some answers.

Shelby

 

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There is a bit of misleading information in this thread.

Caster is adjustable by way of the eccentrics cam on the lower control arm.

Cross Caster is not adjustable without twisting the axle tube.

Camber is normally not adjustable. If you need to alter camber, offset balljoint sleeves are available. They are available through Dodge and Linstad Alignment has a source.

243


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99 QC 2500 ST 4X4 SB 24V/5speed 3. 54/LSD Driftwood/Agate
Walker 21468, VDO, Bridgestone 285/75/16 MT's, RS9000's, Hella 500's

-- email address removed --

 

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Right on 243. Caster IS adjusted by moving the wheel forward or back. Note: if one wheel is farther back than the other, it can cause a pull to that side.

 

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Care to explain how to 'twist the axle tube' to adjust cross-caster?

Eccentrics in the upper ball joint will effect caster, camber or both depending on the 'clocking' of the eccentric.

Camber can also be adjusted by using shims between the spindle & steering knuckle - don't know if this is possible on our trucks but I don't see why this wouldn't work.

Brian

 

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Brian is right... . The eccentrics on the track bar cannot adjust caster on each wheel. You would have to twist the axle housing to do it. The only way to adjust caster on each wheel is to use the aftermarket upper ball joint inserts.

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98 Properly Valved 4x4 SWB QC ISB A/T Metallic Red w/ tan cloth interior, DC nerf bars, DC two piece mud-flaps, 275 h. p. injectors, Monroe Gas Magnums, Armor Tuff spray in bed liner, Goodyear Wrangler ATS 285/75r/16, BD Heavy Duty Valve body. Walker 21468 thru flow muffler,Cobra 29 NWST CB. American Racing Wheels.

 

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Thanks for the replies. From what I'm reading it sounds like you CAN adjust caster evenly using the lower control arm eccentrics. You cannot, however, adjust cross caster with these and that adjustment plus any camber adjustments must be made with an offset balljoint or sleeve depending if you have a 94-99 or 00-01 truck.

I origionally wanted to raise my overall caster a litte since my cross caster is already perfect. The info. Joe G. posted is what I was referring to in the first question. It sounds like 3. 4-3. 5 degrees of caster is a number thats working good, see this post also-https://www.turbodieselregister.com/ubb//Forum4/HTML/003153.html

With my numbers of 2. 70 left and 2. 90 right, I basically wanted the overall caster bumped up . 60 of a degree. This would give me 3. 30 left and 3. 5 right. The cross caster would stay the same but the overall would move together using the adjusters.

Maybe I'm too picky #ad
but my truck drives almost perfect since the new steering box and I want that last little bit. Also these numbers are still within factory specs. so theres really no harm to do. The toe was in 3/8" and was reset to 0, this adjustment made quite a difference in itself.
Thanks again- Zach

[This message has been edited by DUNE RACER (edited 10-10-2000). ]

 

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Don't know why the link won't work, anyhow its the Melloy Dodge can't align ... . post in the 24v engine forum.

 

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The eccentric sleeves I refered to along with others are not aftermarket parts. They are obtained by the parts department through DC parts depot. There is a tsb with the part numbers. Sorry, I cannot remember the tsb number at this time, it is in my folder at work. If someone wants to know the tsb # post and I will try to remember to get the information. When I am at work my mind is not on my truck or this site so it is hard for me to remember on my own some times. Need to tie a string to my finger #ad
#ad

 

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Zach:

Just did the same thing on my 96. Had the DC Tech info printout while on Alignment rack.

You CAN adjust caster equally on each wheel by loosening the lower are ecentrics. Then rotating the axle forward should increase caster equally on both sides. Would increase your 2. 7 and 2. 9 to values of 3. 5 and 3. 7 or more if you want. Mine also was in the middle 2's and took it up to lower 3's.

jjw
ND

 

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FYI, the tsb # is 05-04-99. The eccentric sleeve part numbers are
4886060AA . 25degree offset
4886061AA . 50degree offset
4886062AA . 75degree offset
4886063AA 1. 00degree offset
These are DC part numbers that are called out in the tsb. Maybe this will help someone.

 

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Originally posted by mopars1:
FYI, the tsb # is 05-04-99. The eccentric sleeve part numbers are
4886060AA . 25degree offset
4886061AA . 50degree offset
4886062AA . 75degree offset
4886063AA 1. 00degree offset
These are DC part numbers that are called out in the tsb. Maybe this will help someone.

Are these for the pre 2000 trucks? Dodge changes the front ends on the '00 and newer trucks so the old shims and excentric parts wont fit. At least thats what my dealer has told me. I have filed a complaint with the National Transportation Safety board and Chrysler on this safety and drivability issue I would encourage anybody else whos has the same problems and cant get them fixed to do the same, this will help force the fig boys to do a recall and actually fix our trucks!!

 

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700RMK, I honestly don't know if the sleeves fit the 2000-2001 trucks. I have not researched that. There were some sleeves put in a truck at work this week, but I don't remember if it was a 2000 or a 1999 model. I will try to do some research when I get back to work on the 16th. Also, I just checked the 2000 service manual and they don't have any information on the sleeves.

 

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I believe the sleeves were changed in 2000. The way to adjust each side now is to use offset balljoints.

 

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Originally posted by DUNE RACER:
I believe the sleeves were changed in 2000. The way to adjust each side now is to use offset balljoints.

There are no part numbers from dodge on offset ball joints. If there are aftermarket parts available please pass mfgr along and I wil check into having dodge authorize thier use.

Thanks for all your help!!




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2001 WHITE 2500 QC, LB, 3:54, 4x4, ETC/5-SPEED, HD TRANSFER, FACTORY FOG'S, MOPAR MUDFLAPS, AUTOMETER ULTRA-LITE PYRO & BOOST, K&N IN STOCK BOX, SILENCER RING AOL, JARDINE 4" IRRIGATION PIPE, BFG 285/75/16 ALL TA'S ON EAGLE SERIES 145, SMITTYBUILT NERFS, RHINO LINED BED AND ROCKERS, AND SOON TO BE EDGE'ED. ****POLARIS 700 RMK RULES THE HILLS****

 

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This is a great thread!

I have a '96 4x4 that has always pulled right (even on the left side of the road) Of course it lessens some when I do the tire rotation.

Now at 91K it wanders all over the road and is becoming a pain to steer. Where can I go to get a good alignment and how should it feel?

(now at least I have the alignment numbers)

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'96 4x4, 2500 extended, 5-Stick, TST, big stereo, MP3 player, GPS, Kodiak Sidewinder steps.