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RetiredBob · 04-15-2025, 09:40 AM

I'm taking my 2019 E450 in for an alignment in a couple of weeks and want to know exactly what adjustments to ask for relative to caster. I've read a variety of suggestions--+5* on both sides, different settings for right and left, greater than +5*, etc. I'll probably get a range of suggestions, but would like to hear what the majority recommend. TIA

rarebear.nm · 04-15-2025, 10:05 AM

I had at ruck shop install Moog bushings to adjust caster to 4* left and 4.5* right. Many alignment shops will not adjust beyond factory specs. Which is much less than 4*.

I selected a truck shop that has lots of experience in doing exactly this. I also had them install a Safe-T steering stabilizer at the same time.

The pair of upgrades did help. Also make sure tire pressures are correct.

E-450s are built at Ford to be RV chassis, but rather delivery and service trucks. So the OEM suspension system is way short of life as an RV.

In the end I did the above plus added Hellwig anti-sway bars front and rear, a Trac bar on the rare and Koni shocks on all four wheels. Now it handles and rides very nice. Cross winds and passing trucks are a thing of the past and it track very well even while towing a toad on rutted roads.

RDG · 04-15-2025, 10:23 AM

Here are the specs from the caster adjustment on our E 450

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Eman85 · 04-15-2025, 02:52 PM

Does it have any problems tracking straight or the wheel slow to return to center? That is what caster would effect. Right set slightly higher than left to compensate for crown in road.

RDG · 04-15-2025, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eman85

Does it have any problems tracking straight or the wheel slow to return to center? That is what caster would effect. Right set slightly higher than left to compensate for crown in road.

No issues tracking or slow to return to center. I also have a RoadMaster steering stabilizer. Yes the right is set higher due to road crown.

RetiredBob · 04-17-2025, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RDG

Here are the specs from the caster adjustment on our E 450]

Thanks for this info. I'm curious why the adjustment was 5.6/6.7 rather than just 5/6. Is it because they can't be that precise? Also, did the shop recommend these adjustments or did you specify them?

RDG · 04-17-2025, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetiredBob

Thanks for this info. I'm curious why the adjustment was 5.6/6.7 rather than just 5/6. Is it because they can't be that precise? Also, did the shop recommend these adjustments or did you specify them?

They set it to correct the issues that the MH was having

RickNC · 04-19-2025, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetiredBob

I'm taking my 2019 E450 in for an alignment in a couple of weeks and want to know exactly what adjustments to ask for relative to caster. I've read a variety of suggestions--+5* on both sides, different settings for right and left, greater than +5*, etc. I'll probably get a range of suggestions, but would like to hear what the majority recommend. TIA

Went through this on my 2019. Problem I ran into was between,the 3 places in my area that could do the alignment, 2 won’t touch a motorhome and the third will only change caster/camber bushings if out of spec. “ Spec happens to be between something like 2.5-7 degrees of +caster. Rather than drive 100 miles to the one place that would do it, I did it myself in the driveway with a borrowed bubble alignment gauge, laser level, protractor and string.
I ultimately ended up with just under +5-3/4 caster passenger and +5-1/4 caster driver. 1/2 deg negative camber and 3/32 toe in.
You will need to ask the shop and the alignment mechanic specifically if they are willing to change bushings to get the 5 deg plus caster you will want.