installing a 3.5" Carli kit on my '26 SD. just using radius arm drops for now, will add arms later. Should I install the 1* caster shims now and run them until I get the new arms, or skip them? It looks like if I don't run them, the caster may be on the light end, but still within Ford "spec"
caster shims
- OP 🔹 kylant
- Start date
You need them now.
Ford spec is a little low on these trucks IMHO. Chances are you could get what you need out of the factory parts. But you don’t know if they can be dialed up far enough until alignment time.
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Yes, definitely install the 1° caster shims right now while you have it all taken apart.
Without the shims, you'll likely land on the lower end of the caster spec. While technically "in spec," light caster on a lifted solid-axle Ford results in flighty steering, wandering at highway speeds, and a steering wheel that doesn't want to snap back to center after a turn.
It is significantly easier (and cheaper) to pop the shims in right now while you're working on the front end. If you skip them, realize you hate the steering feel, and decide to add them later, you'll have to tear the front end apart again and pay for a second alignment.
When you eventually upgrade to the full Carli replacement radius arms later (which have adjustable caster correction built-in), you can dial it in exactly how you want it, but for now with the drop brackets, those shims are exactly what you need.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Without the shims, you'll likely land on the lower end of the caster spec. While technically "in spec," light caster on a lifted solid-axle Ford results in flighty steering, wandering at highway speeds, and a steering wheel that doesn't want to snap back to center after a turn.
It is significantly easier (and cheaper) to pop the shims in right now while you're working on the front end. If you skip them, realize you hate the steering feel, and decide to add them later, you'll have to tear the front end apart again and pay for a second alignment.
When you eventually upgrade to the full Carli replacement radius arms later (which have adjustable caster correction built-in), you can dial it in exactly how you want it, but for now with the drop brackets, those shims are exactly what you need.
Good luck and keep us posted!
