Ford F-350 Alignment Caster and Camber Kit Guide (1987-1997)
Solve uneven tire wear and steering wander on your 1987-1997 F-350 with this essential alignment upgrade.
- This kit is an essential upgrade, as 1987-1997 F-350s have no factory adjustment for caster or camber.
- It fits both 2WD (Twin I-Beam) and 4WD (Solid Axle) models of this generation.
- Always replace other worn front-end parts like ball joints and tie rods before attempting an alignment.
- Installation can be done at home, but a professional alignment with proper equipment is mandatory immediately after.
Why Your F-350 Needs an Adjustable Bushing
If you've taken your 1987-1997 F-350 for an alignment and been told it can't be fully adjusted, you've discovered a quirk of these trucks. From the factory, there is no way to change the caster or camber angles; only the toe can be set. An aftermarket Alignment Caster/Camber Kit is not just a replacement part—it's an upgrade that provides the adjustability your truck needs for a proper, long-lasting alignment. This is especially important after replacing other suspension components or if you've lifted the truck.
Symptoms of Incorrect Caster/Camber
When your truck's alignment is out of specification, the signs are hard to miss. Ignoring them will lead to buying new tires much sooner than expected.
- Uneven Tire Wear: This is the most common symptom. You'll see the inside or outside edge of your front tires wearing down much faster than the center. 🎬 See how to diagnose uneven tire wear on your OBS Ford. This is a direct result of the wheel leaning too far inward (negative camber) or outward (positive camber).
- Vehicle Pulling or Drifting: The truck may constantly pull to the left or right, forcing you to hold the steering wheel at an angle to drive straight.
- Wandering or "Loose" Steering: The steering may feel vague and require constant small corrections to keep the truck centered in your lane, especially at highway speeds.
- Poor Steering Wheel Return: After making a turn, the steering wheel may be slow to return to center on its own. This is often a sign of incorrect caster.
Check Other Parts First
Before blaming alignment, inspect your entire front end. Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and radius arm bushings are common on these older trucks and will prevent a successful alignment. Replace any worn parts before installing the alignment kit and heading to the shop.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Kit
For this specific part, aftermarket is the only real option since it adds functionality the original part lacks. Mevotech is a widely available brand that offers these kits.
Mevotech: The Smart Value
Mevotech provides a reliable and affordable solution for the F-350. They are often seen as a strong value proposition, especially for an older work truck. User feedback indicates their parts generally fit correctly and perform as needed. Mevotech offers different tiers of parts, such as their standard line and a more durable "Supreme" line, giving you options based on your budget and how hard you use your truck. For a part like this, which solves a factory design limitation, a Mevotech kit is a solid and cost-effective choice.
Estimated Costs
| New Aftermarket Kit (Mevotech) | $11.52 - $20.88 (per side) |
| Shop Labor (Alignment Only) | $100 - $200 |
| Shop Labor (Bushing Install + Alignment) | $250 - $450 |
Pro-Tip: Do Both Sides
Even if only one side seems to have a problem, it's best practice to install new adjustable bushings on both the driver and passenger sides. This gives the alignment technician maximum ability to get the specifications perfect on both wheels, ensuring a straight-driving truck and even tire wear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does this kit fit both 2WD and 4WD F-350s?
Yes. Although the 2WD models have a Twin I-Beam front end and the 4WD models from 1987-1997 have a Dana 60 solid front axle, 🎬 Learn everything about replacing ball joints on a Dana 60 axle. both use a similar upper ball joint and knuckle design that requires this type of adjustable bushing for alignment.
Can I install this kit myself?
Yes, a DIYer with mechanical experience can install the bushing. The process involves jacking up the truck, removing the wheel, and separating the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle. However, removing the old, seized bushing can be difficult. Crucially, you MUST take the truck to a professional alignment shop immediately after installation. 🎬 Watch this walkthrough on how to replace the adjustable bushings. The final adjustment requires specialized equipment.
Why can't the alignment shop just adjust my truck?
The original factory bushings are not adjustable. They are fixed and only allow for setting the "toe" angle. Without installing an adjustable aftermarket kit, there is no physical way to change the caster and camber angles to bring them into specification.
Are there any recalls or TSBs for this part?
There are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the alignment bushings on the 1987-1997 F-350. However, Ford has issued TSBs for steering oscillation on newer Super Duty trucks, and a common fix involves adjusting caster using these exact types of bushings, which highlights their importance for steering stability.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
Eccentric/Adjustable Upper Ball Joint Bushing
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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