Bending radius arms to gain caster

[Monca68]

I was wondering if anyone here has ever bent there radius arms to gain caster. Im trying to avoid spending the money on extended arms. I currently have a 3 1/2 WH lift but the 7* bushings but have only 3 1/2* degrees of caster. If smeone has done this and was successful how did you go about doing it. Thanks for any info.

 

[broncaholic]

I have heard of it being done. Someone told me to take it to a truck garage. Another option I have heard of people doing is cutting and rotating the knuckle to gain the proper caster. Hope this helps.

 

[Rockin69er]

Back in the day (early 80's) alot of alignment shop did bend the radius arms after a lift kit was installed. Twin traction beam 2wd Ford trucks were aligned this way and the shops used the the same equipment. Before degree C bushings and drop radius arm brackets were invented I myself and many others used radius arm brackets from 78-79 Broncos or F-150's. They were about 2.75 inches of drop over the stock ones and bought from Ford for ~12 bucks each but I am sure there aren't any left new. I would try Duffs adjustable drop brackets (part #5430) you get 1, 2 or 4 degrees.

 

[av bronco]

Ive seen this done but the negitive effect is driveshaft angle, ive got the duff arms and they work but my driveline angle is crap and I still dont have enough caster.

 

[jpopsbronco]

not that this helps but with my WH long arms and 7* bushings im at 5.9* according to my shop...
Still reasonable driveline angle too

 

[Steve83]

If the axle was built correctly in the first place, then caster & pinion angles should always compliment each other. So no matter how you get the axle rotated for caster, the d'shaft SHOULD be OK (as long as the u-joints can handle the flex angle). I just ran across this TSB which describes driveshaft concerns on lifted vehicles:



I'd install drop brackets for the back ends of the radius arms before bending the arms, though.

But if you're already having d'shaft problems, then turning the knuckles may be necessary. Let an experience machine shop handle it.

 

[jrcflash]

I purchased my 75 Bronco about a year ago. Although I did not realize it for a few months, the radius arms had been bent for additional caster. I swapped the front end for a 76-77 Dana44 and added 2 deg c bushings at that time. I have not had a chance to get it on an alignment machine, but I intend to do so in the near future. I am guessing I have around 4-5 deg positive caster. The Bronco has 2 inch lift springs on the front (vintage non progressives that ride like a tank). Anyhow, the driveshaft angle does not seem to present a problem, and the Bronco drives nice and straight down the highway with 30-9.50x15 tires.

I am not recommending bending your radius arms. However, I do think that improved street manners may be had by doing so. The trick may be finding someone with the equipment and know how to properly bend those arms, which can be extremely dangerous and even deadly. I also think that the degree'd c bushings available today may add plenty of caster without the problems and danger of bending radius arms.

 

[Monca68]

I already have the 7* bushings .Id rather not put ddrop brackets on worst case I will buy longer arms Id rather not spend that much money especially since I only have 3 1/2 WH lift I thought you only had to use them when you had a 4 1/2 or 5 1/2 lift. Has any one else had this problem and did this corroect there caster problem? thanks Im looking for suggestions.

 

[broncnaz]

I've seen a few pictures of radius arms bent to gain caster. Probably not a big deal but IMO when you bend something you weaken it so you run the risk of weaking the main part of your suspension when there are better ways. Cheapst route is drop brackets. While a lot of people dont like radius arm drop brackets because they say they will drag and I dont doubt that they could in extreme wheeling I dont see it being a factor in most cases. I'd probably go with this one. http://www.dufftuff.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=5430
Do you even know what your current alginment specs are? Are you positive the C bushings were installed correctly? There's a lot of factors other than just caster that can affect handling.

 

[DirtDonk]

I currently have a 3 1/2 WH lift but the 7* bushings but have only 3 1/2* degrees of caster.

Are you having any specific problems right now Monca? Or are you just trying to get more caster to achieve some higher goal?
Do you have power steering now, or are you planning to upgrade to it at some point?

Reason i ask is that your 3.5° (assuming positive that is) is excellent, and I daresay more than most of us have after a lift. I've got less than three (less than two on one side) on mine and it's always tracked straight and true. Return-to-center is a bit vague, but certainly exists.
More positive caster means it's harder to steer, so power steering would be a must if you're trying to get up into the sixes, like the Big Broncos ran.

And just to confirm, this is POSITIVE caster, not NEGATIVE, correct? Plenty running around with negative caster readings too, so I thought I'd ask.

Paul

 

[Monca68]

yes the whole reason for my concern is that the bronco follows the road and I dont feel safe driving it the way it is now Im gonna take it to a different shop and have it realigned. I do have powersteering and the WH drag link setup .I did put a dana 44 w/disk brakes in it. The C bushings are definetly in correctly. My tires are wearing perfectly. I did buy them used and since then have asked the PO of the tires if he had any problems with them and he said no just wanted to go bigger. they are Mudkings which I realize arent the best tires around.

 

[broncnaz]

Tire pressure can also affect handling. Might try different pressures see if it helps usually low 30s works for most of us. I would also check the trac bar make sure the bushings and bolts are tight. Some tires just dont handle well and with a short wheel base and lifted vehicle it will wander more than normal.

 

[ahess]

I have a 73 with 3 1/2 Toms bronco lift,7 degree c bushings, runing on 37' Toyo's. Also has power front disc brakes with the rock crusher steering arms. I bought my bronco with the radius arms already bent. After I put the lift in I took it to my local alignment shop and they said it was fine with the arms bent. All I know is it drive great. No wandering,but has a little bump steer on rough roads otherwise drives like caddy ( sorry, drives like a lincoln)

 

[73stallion]

you say the tires are wearing well, but have you checked the toe setting?

 

[SteveL]

BC has adjustable arms.

 

[Monca68]

If I'm going to have to go with new arms then I might as well just get the longer arms. What brand would you guys suggest?