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D44 SAS Caster Measurement?


59bisquik

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My rig has always wandered a bit since the SAS and I am thinking my caster is off. Is there anybody out there that has the correct caster on thier D44 SAS that could check the angle for me? I was thinking that just for a quick sanity check I could check the angle across the vertical bolts on the diff cover against somebody with a known good caster. That way while its sitting flat on the ground and could see if I was in the ballpark or not. If I dont have to pull the wheels off and such for a quick test, it would be great.

BTW it is a 79 Ford D44, full width.
 


Mightyfordranger

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I'll be doing the exact same swap as u here shortly in my 1 gen ranger if u have a sas thread I can follow it would b awesome
 

59bisquik

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Pretty sure that build thread is long gone. Its quite a few years ago I built it.
 

PlumCrazy

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They make 2, 4 and 7 degree caster correction wedgie bushings. Easy way to know if its off...when you are cruising on a nice flat road and turn, will the steering center itself?

If so you are in the ballpark. I set mine at an aggressive 7* and love it. The more positive caster, the more the steering will try to center itself, the more negative...the more you will have to hold the wheel where you want it. With positive caster the weight of the vehicle literally forces the steering straight (like popping a wheelie with a cart with caster wheels)but.....the more positive caster the worse your pinion angle gets

Here is a link to the bushings
http://shop.broncograveyard.com/C-BushingsRadiusTrack-Bar/products/38/
 

Mightyfordranger

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I used to have a all stock 78 f150 with a d44 coil sprung my cousin has it now it's still stock I can try and get a look at it for you how should I measure it up

Edit: plumcrazy wouldn't too positive of an angle cause lubercating and correct fluid filling issues??
 
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59bisquik

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I already have to 7 degree bushings. I don't have death wobble, but I cannot pull my hand off the wheel! :badidea:
 
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59bisquik

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I was just thinking for a sanity check, put an angle finder on the vertical diff cover bolts. I know it's not at the wheels, but should tell me if the axle is tipped forward.
 

PlumCrazy

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I was just thinking for a sanity check, put an angle finder on the vertical diff cover bolts. I know it's not at the wheels, but should tell me if the axle is tipped forward.
I know mine was basically vertical which would put my caster at 7* ish. I wont be able to measure again until I get the motor and bumper back in/on.
 

Mightyfordranger

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Ok I'll try and get out there for ya take plenty of picks and what not also what length springs are u runnin and what's your radius arm setup like I'm having trouble finding right length springs for my set up
 
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PlumCrazy

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Edit: plumcrazy wouldn't too positive of an angle cause lubercating and correct fluid filling issues??
At the speeds I am running my rig when locked in 4x4....I might as well run grease anyway.lol
 

Mightyfordranger

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At the speeds I am running my rig when locked in 4x4....I might as well run grease anyway.lol
Ha ha for sure can u post a pic of your front axle I'd like to see what 7* bushings actually do to a set up thanks!!!
 

59bisquik

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OK, so I put the angle finder on the flat part of the diff right next to the cover where the tubes are plug welded in. Looks like from there it might be tipped forward too much. Then looking at the pinion angle, it does appear that I need to drop the caster back some.


 

Mightyfordranger

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Ok I don't have an angle locater but they can't be expensive I'll buy one so I'll have it and try and get to the truck asap for ya
 

59bisquik

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An angle finder is a must have tool for fabrication and drive line setup.
 

Mightyfordranger

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Thanks for the tip I have a feeling I'll be learning alot from u guys I have knowledge about axles and set ups just not the experience to back it this is my first rig I ever built so I'll b asking alot of questions lol:icon_thumby:
 

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