2016 Ford F-150 – Wheel Alignment Specifications

Adjusting your 2016 Ford F-150's wheel alignment is crucial for maintaining tire life, fuel economy, and proper handling. This guide provides detailed factory specifications and important considerations for aligning your F-150.

Quick reference

Adjustability

On the 2016 Ford F-150, front toe is the primary factory adjustment. This is typically done by adjusting the tie rod ends. Front camber and caster are not directly adjustable from the factory. To adjust these angles, aftermarket solutions such as eccentric bushings or cam bolts that replace the upper control arm bolts or lower strut bolts are required. Some aftermarket upper control arms also offer camber and caster adjustability.

The rear axle of the 2016 F-150 is a solid axle design, meaning rear camber and rear toe are generally non-adjustable from the factory. Any deviation from specification in the rear typically indicates bent components (like the axle housing) or damaged suspension bushings. Thrust angle in the rear is a measurement of how parallel the rear axle is to the vehicle's centerline. While not directly adjustable, an incorrect thrust angle can often be corrected by addressing issues with the rear leaf spring mounts or U-bolts that secure the axle.

Recommended adjustment hardware

For correcting front camber and/or caster on a 2016 Ford F-150, several aftermarket options are available:

• Eccentric Bushings: These replace the factory non-adjustable bushings in the upper or lower control arms, allowing for camber and/or caster adjustments within a certain range.
• Cam Bolts (Camber Kits): These replace the factory bolts connecting the lower control arm to the frame or the strut to the lower control arm, providing a cam action to adjust camber and sometimes caster.
• Aftermarket Upper Control Arms: Many manufacturers offer adjustable upper control arms that provide a greater range of camber and caster adjustment, often beneficial for lifted trucks or those with specific alignment needs.

Always ensure any aftermarket components are high-quality and installed by a qualified technician to maintain vehicle safety and performance.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Recognizing the signs of a misaligned vehicle can save you from costly repairs and enhance your driving experience. Common symptoms include:

• Uneven Tire Wear: This is one of the most prominent indicators.
  • Feathering: Sawtooth-like wear across the tread, often indicating excessive toe.
  • Inner or Outer Shoulder Wear: Excessive wear on one edge of the tire, typically due to incorrect camber.
  • Cupping/Scalloping: Irregular wear patterns, often associated with worn suspension components or imbalances, but can be exacerbated by alignment issues.
• Steering Wheel Off-Center: If your steering wheel isn't straight when driving in a straight line, your alignment is likely off.
• Vehicle Pulling: The vehicle consistently drifts to one side, even on a flat road.
• Loose or Wandering Steering: The vehicle feels difficult to keep in a straight line.
• Squealing Tires: Tires may squeal during turns, even at low speeds.

When to align

Regular alignment checks are good practice, but certain events necessitate an immediate alignment:

• After Suspension or Steering Component Replacement: Any time components like tie rods, ball joints, control arms, or struts/shocks are replaced, an alignment is required.
• After New Tires: To ensure maximum tire life and even wear.
• After Hitting a Large Pothole or Curb: Significant impacts can easily knock your alignment out of spec.
• If You Notice Any of the Above Symptoms: Don't wait for tire wear to become severe.
• Every 15,000 miles or Annually: As a preventative measure.

Typical alignment cost

The cost of a wheel alignment for a 2016 Ford F-150 can vary depending on your location, the shop, and whether any adjustments beyond front toe are needed. A standard two-wheel (front axle only) alignment might cost between $70 and $100. A four-wheel alignment (which is a check on all four wheels, even if only the front is adjustable) typically ranges from $90 to $150. If aftermarket parts like cam bolts are required for camber or caster correction, there will be an additional cost for parts and labor. Some shops offer lifetime alignment packages, which can be cost-effective if you plan on keeping your truck for an extended period or frequently encounter conditions that knock your alignment out.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.