FEA numbers

[Lt46]

Hi guys,
Had my 97 F53 into Josam's Alignment shop in Orlando last week. For no other reason other than I hadn't done anything to the front-end since ownership (2008). I had noticed that at hiway speeds I needed to keep right hand pressure on the wheel at all times to maintain straight ahead travel.

The FE Tech put it on the laser and came up with these numbers; Caster,left=6*30, Caster, right= 7*
Camber,left= +10, Camber,right= -10
Toe In= +5.2mm

He told me other than the toe being in a bit, every other number is good and no adjustments were necessary. He also went on to say that the adjustment component used to correct Toe ( I don't know what it's called) was extremely rusted and he had concern that trying to make the adjustment would damage the part (a discontinued part according to him) and instead told me that my tires would "age out" before this spec. caused any damage to them.

For those of you, who have a good understanding of what these alignment numbers mean, would you please offer a "second opinion or confirm" what I've been told is accurate?

Thanks.

[Doggy Daddy]

Does your Ford have a Steering Stabilizer like "Safe T Plus". Our Products | Safe-T-Plus - The Steering Control Specialists

[pcurt23]

I am not an alignment guy but if you took your rig to a place you trust then you not worry.

A motor home chassis is not like a car. In your car the steering wheel will find a mechanical center point and the steering wheel itself will be straight ahead most of the time. After a turn you will notice that the wheel almost automatically goes back to center. Your rv chassis does not do that. It has no mechanical center point. So when there is high wind or excessive crown on the road you will find yourself steering into the wind or road. There are lots of things on the market to help you with the steering.

[Lt46]

Doggy, Yes to the stabilizer, it was OEM and replaced a couple of years ago.
Pcurt, I was definitely thinking that wind was causing me to steer to the right and if the FEA alignment numbers make sense, then I be one happy camper.

[subford]

Some of those reading do not make much sense in mm.

Here are the Specification:


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[Lt46]

Thanks Bill. Those numbers do not look like what I was given that's for sure! The chart has everything listed in "degrees" and the only numbers written on my work order with "degrees" is caster. 6*30 for left and 7* for right. Both of which exceed the chart Max. caster number. Hmmmm, what the heck does this mean? The Toe-In measure is exactly as it was written +5.2 mm and have no idea what that translates to a "degree" setting.
The coach drives very well, so I'm not gonna get all worked up about this unless someone gives me cause to be. Thanks for the reference chart.

[subford]

I do not know how much different the 1993 F53 was but here are its Specification to compare with.


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[John58]

Originally Posted by Lt46

Hi guys,

Had my 97 F53 into Josam's Alignment shop in Orlando last week. For no other reason other than I hadn't done anything to the front-end since ownership (2008). I had noticed that at hiway speeds I needed to keep right hand pressure on the wheel at all times to maintain straight ahead travel.



The FE Tech put it on the laser and came up with these numbers; Caster,left=6*30, Caster, right= 7*

Camber,left= +10, Camber,right= -10

Toe In= +5.2mm



He told me other than the toe being in a bit, every other number is good and no adjustments were necessary. He also went on to say that the adjustment component used to correct Toe ( I don't know what it's called) was extremely rusted and he had concern that trying to make the adjustment would damage the part (a discontinued part according to him) and instead told me that my tires would "age out" before this spec. caused any damage to them.



For those of you, who have a good understanding of what these alignment numbers mean, would you please offer a "second opinion or confirm" what I've been told is accurate?



Thanks.

I'm having mine looked at next week when I get back in town. I also have a manual at home with the specs it for an F53 Chassis. I will compare the numbers he gave you with that and my guy then get back to you. Mine steers rough too and shakes at times.




John/Lynette

1997 Fleetwood Bounder (Ford F53 V-8 460)

[Lt46]

Thanks John, I appreciate that!

[John58]

Lt46, below are the alignment specs for a 97 Ford F Super Duty Motorhome chassis.

You can subscribe to the workshop manual at helminc.com. Cost is 109.00 per year not bad considering the cost for a printed copy.

If anyone needs anything let me know. Good luck and happy RVing..


97 F53 Alignment Specs.pdf

[subford]

Those are the same Specs that I have already posted above.

[John58]

Originally Posted by subford

Those are the same Specs that I have already posted above.

I don't see where they are the same.




John/Lynette

1997 Fleetwood Bounder 30ft (Ford F53 V-8 460)

[subford]

Post #5 above is the same as the ones in your pdf.

[Lt46]

Thankyou John for the pdf. It has been printed and added to my F53 papers.