2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

The 2017 Ford F-250, like most heavy-duty trucks with solid front axles, has limited factory alignment adjustments.

• Front Axle: The only directly adjustable angle from the factory is toe. Caster and camber are not adjustable without aftermarket parts. To correct for camber or caster, a technician will need to install specialized eccentric bushings. The factory bushings are fixed and must be pressed out to allow for the installation of adjustable ones. This is a common procedure for solid axle vehicles.
• Rear Axle: The rear axle on a 2017 F-250 is a solid, non-independent setup. As such, there are no factory provisions for adjusting camber or toe. If the rear axle alignment is out of specification, it typically indicates a bent axle housing or other damaged component that requires replacement, not adjustment.

Recommended adjustment hardware

To adjust front caster and camber on a 2017 F-250, you will need to use aftermarket adjustable bushings. These are installed in the upper ball joint location on the axle C-knuckle. Companies like SPC (Specialty Products Company) and Moog offer adjustable bushings that provide several degrees of adjustment, which is typically sufficient to bring the alignment back into the preferred range, even on lifted or leveled trucks.

Symptoms of bad alignment

A misaligned vehicle will exhibit several noticeable symptoms, with abnormal tire wear being the most common. Paying attention to how your tires are wearing can help you diagnose a potential alignment issue before it becomes severe.

• Feathering: This is a classic sign of incorrect toe. The tread blocks will wear into a shape resembling a saw blade, where one side of the block is sharp and the other is rounded. You can feel this by running your hand across the tire tread.
• One-sided shoulder wear: If the inside or outside shoulder of the tire is wearing down faster than the rest of the tread, it's a strong indicator of a camber issue. Positive camber wears the outside edge, while negative camber wears the inside edge.
• Cupping or Scalloping: This appears as diagonal or scooped-out patches across the tread surface. While often caused by worn shocks or imbalanced tires, it can also be a secondary symptom of a severe alignment problem, especially incorrect toe.
• Steering Wheel Off-Center: If you have to hold your steering wheel at an angle to drive straight, your alignment is out. This is usually due to the total toe being off.
• Vehicle Pulling: A constant pull to one side can be caused by a cross-camber or cross-caster imbalance. If the vehicle pulls to the side with the more positive camber or less positive caster, it's a good sign that your alignment needs to be checked.

When to align

It is good practice to have your alignment checked regularly, but it is essential to have a full four-wheel alignment performed under the following circumstances:

• After installing new tires: To protect your investment and ensure a long tread life.
• After any suspension or steering component replacement: This includes ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms, and shocks/struts.
• After hitting a large pothole or curb: A significant impact can easily knock your alignment out of specification.
• If you notice any of the symptoms of bad alignment listed above.

Typical alignment cost

The cost for a wheel alignment on a 2017 Ford F-250 can vary based on your location and the shop. A standard check and toe adjustment may cost between $120 and $180. However, if caster or camber adjustments are needed, the cost will increase significantly due to the labor required to install the necessary adjustable bushings. Expect to pay an additional $200-$400 for parts and labor if these adjustments are required.

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