Alignment question re: LCA cam adjusters

Hi all,

I just replaced my LBJs and outer tie rods and am planning on having the truck aligned. I am planning on also replacing the shocks (all 4 corners) in the near future and I assume I will get some front ride height back because the front lower shock bushings are completely shot and I will install new coil isolators as well.

I can't imagine that the front ride height will increase by much more than 0.5 - 0.75 inches by putting these fresh rubber parts in, but I am wondering if this is likely to significantly affect caster/camber adjustment?

My concern is that the LCA cam adjusters are likely seized and replacing LCAs on top of everything else is something that I'd rather not have to do right now. Given the age of the truck and the rust, replacing only bushings is out of the question. I suppose if that time comes, then I will likely replace coils as well to get all of the ride height back, but OEM or OEM-replacement coils are hard to find anywhere in stock at the moment.

Thanks.

 

Depends what you consider significant. If your alignment right now is perfect, gaining 0.5-0.75inch will likely knock you a couple degrees out of camber spec, which will eventually become apparent on your tire wear.

Your shocks however should not contribute much to ride height. Their purpose is to dampen changes caused by the springs. Springs and preload on those springs are what give you ride height.

Anyone feel free to correct or add to this.

 

Thanks for the reply. I just (this morning) got the truck aligned after replacing tie rod ends, and the tech adjusted camber on one side, giving me hope that the alignment cams aren’t totally seized. As it stands, camber on both sides is within spec, but slightly negative…it can move a bit in the positive direction and still remain within spec.

I know that shocks on their own don’t contribute to ride height, but as I explained above, with new shocks I will replace the lower shock mount bushings and coil isolators. The bushings are totally worn and I suspect the isolators are also compressed relative to new ones. By replacing these parts, I will recover some of the original ride height that was lost as these parts deteriorated…I estimate half an inch or a little more.

Edited to add: My understanding is that camber angle becomes more positive as the height increases (positive camber = top of tire tilts outward). The specified range (according to Firestone printout) is -0.5 to +1.1 degrees, and the truck is at -0.3 (driver) and -0.4 (passenger) degrees. Both sides are within range, but there is plenty of room to go more positive and still remain within spec.

If my assumptions are correct, then restoring a small amount of ride height may in fact put camber closer to the middle of the specified range.

 

That matches my experience; it sounds like you'll probably be ok.

You should probably just find out if your bolts are seized or not - it shouldn't be that hard to find out.