Perch Mod vs Leveling Kit Discussion

[pirate air]

THey did a complete alignment but really the only they needed to adjust was toe - why is that weird?

Its not weird. Ford has a wide range when it comes to alignment specs. Usually on mid perch you're right on the edge of camber/caster spec, top is usually out. I didn't like leaving them right on the edge of in spec for several reasons.

 

[Yukon Joe]

check out the sticky. PA details the alignment and what settings are good for the Raptor. When I took these settings into the dealer to have mine set, they said "holly shit, that's tight". But they got it in and were happy that I had brought the SPC alignment cams with me when I took it in.

Here is the thread.
http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f9/your-raptor-its-alignment-539/

Check out post 119 for the camber kit.

 

[STUTIDE]

Its not weird. Ford has a wide range when it comes to alignment specs. Usually on mid perch you're right on the edge of camber/caster spec, top is usually out. I didn't like leaving them right on the edge of in spec for several reasons.

So with your expertise, do you think it is unreasonable to do a mid perch adjustment without a camber kit?

 

[Yukon Joe]

you don't NEED the camber kit, you WANT the camber kit. It only helps to hold the alignment once it is set. If you are doing a lot of off roading, then it's cheap insurance to have so you don't have to take it in after every session.

 

[khcdave]

Every mid perch we have done has never needed cams to get alignment in spec. Toe adjustment is the only thing needed I recommend them if you ar using the truck off road even a little bit. The lower control arm holes are slotted so the bolts can slide easily without the cams installed.

 

[pirate air]

you don't NEED the camber kit, you WANT the camber kit. It only helps to hold the alignment once it is set. If you are doing a lot of off roading, then it's cheap insurance to have so you don't have to take it in after every session.

This^^^ and Not only does it get knocked out, but it galls the chassis mounting slots during the process, and cams makes live adjustments possible (weight on arms) so you don't put the bushings in a bind when you tighten the bolts.

---------- Post added at 07:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:56 PM ----------

So with your expertise, do you think it is unreasonable to do a mid perch adjustment without a camber kit?

How much do you off road? Without them I knocked my arms around almost every time I went out, but I drive kinda crazy. With them its MUCH less movement and all I really need is a slight toe adjustment. The amount of adjustment is there with or without them, they just make the adjustment easier/proper and better locked in place. At this point if the truck drives good and tire wear seems reasonable just save on doing the cams till your next alignment.

 

[STUTIDE]

This^^^ and Not only does it get knocked out, but it galls the chassis mounting slots during the process, and cams makes live adjustments possible (weight on arms) so you don't put the bushings in a bind when you tighten the bolts.

---------- Post added at 07:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:56 PM ----------



How much do you off road? Without them I knocked my arms around almost every time I went out, but I drive kinda crazy. With them its MUCH less movement and all I really need is a slight toe adjustment. The amount of adjustment is there with or without them, they just make the adjustment easier/proper and better locked in place. At this point if the truck drives good and tire wear seems reasonable just save on doing the cams till your next alignment.

I offroad about 15% of the time. I fish alot so my Raptor is more of a tow vehicle than anything. I really appreciate the input amigo and I gotta say your write up on alignment is the BEST I have ever read. Thanks again!

 

[pirate air]

I offroad about 15% of the time. I fish alot so my Raptor is more of a tow vehicle than anything. I really appreciate the input amigo and I gotta say your write up on alignment is the BEST I have ever read. Thanks again!

No problemo

 

[Yukon Joe]

I gotta say your write up on alignment is the BEST I have ever read. Thanks again!

yes it is. I learned a lot through it. And that's why I point people to it all the time.

Joe

 

[STUTIDE]

This is a good little video that goes along with Pirate Airs commentary.

Suspension basics/ Alignment - YouTube