This video is Pt2 of a 2004 F150 after a front suspension replacement due to worn ball joints. In this video we move to the hunter wheel alignment machine to set up the adjustable components to specifications.
The link below will take you to pt1 the repair video.
Back to PT1: Sloppy Suspension! 3 1/2 worn balls | Ford F150 https://youtu.be/J8wvXx-JIxM
Detailed Wheel Alignment! Too Far to Measure! 2012 Ford Expedition 5.4 3-valve 4x4 https://youtu.be/EZzLtfBl7B4
Check out my Merchandise (because I don't say MERCH) Store Below the video for Men's and Women's Apparel, MUGS and Stickers!
https://rainmanraysrepairs.myspreadshop.com/
Send support on Patreon, check out the bio: https://www.patreon.com/RainmanRaysRepairs
Patreon is a "Tip Jar" I don't post much there, daily YT uploads are all that I can manage right now
Amazon List, must have for any toolbox!
ATD Tools 13782 10-Piece Triple Square Spline Bit Socket Set https://amzn.to/3RV2fUB
Same as Matco. Mountain 5-Piece Metric Double Box Universal Spline Reversible Ratcheting Wrench Set; 8 mm - 18mm, 90 Tooth Design, Long, Flexible, Reversible; MTNRM6 https://amzn.to/3OJTRp2
Mercedes BMW VW Wheel Stud Master Kit: https://amzn.to/3OszRaL
Bahco "Frustrated" Pliers AWESOME tool! https://amzn.to/3IfDeOa
Brake Caliper Compressor: https://amzn.to/3gQBuiB
GearWrench Hose Clamp Pliers: Currently Unavailable
My Camera Gear:
Gopro Hero 8 https://amzn.to/3mPnpFA
Gopro Hero 9 https://amzn.to/3EKDcM1
Hero 8 Dual Charger https://amzn.to/3EId84c
Flexible Camera Mount https://amzn.to/3Jywrk5
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. #commissionsearned.
Also, I personally use or have used the products featured in my links and only recommended them if I feel they are of good quality.
“All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them.
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

96 thoughts on “Green doesn’t mean good! 2004 ford f-150 ball joint/suspension alignment”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jim Wright says:

    Old school tricks for an old mechanic!

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars George Simpson says:

    1. grab an actual come-a-long 2. if you open the strap handle all the way up flat, it will disengage the smaller lock.. so it's one handed.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Max Henry says:

    Do you even own a torque wrench? No offense, Ray, but I wouldn’t trust you to work on a covered wagon.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Hedrick says:

    Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I remember having to do that at my 1st job but it got the job done

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Squiggy G. says:

    “My face” warning just like “Loud noises” warning please …your face triggers me,,,thanks

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mice InOz says:

    In fact, the same requirement can be done by moving the rear lower bolt outboard. When you first did them up with the lower bolts close to their inner position on the slots, you have little left 'slottage' moving the front one in, so instead, move the rear one outward in the slot, plenty of slot left to use there!

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steve Fortin says:

    If you had used the CAMMS program in your aligner software, this video would be 10 minutes start to finish,,, use the tech your boss paid for.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kenneth Baker says:

    Thanks Ray for another great video

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Zachary Normandin says:

    Noticed the torque stick on the electric impact our master tech always talked about it as heresy is it actually fine ?

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steven Jackson says:

    My trick with these was a harbor freight chain hoist. A few soft shackles and that hoist and I could pull anything into spec

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bill Thrasher says:

    you should get a come along

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars CoaSoft says:

    First , THANK YOU. Just bought a 2008 f150 super 8' bed and it is simply unrealistically clean underneath with 74,000. This vid let me see a lot.
    Second, unreal that you have so much time under the hood and truck/car and still wear your wedding ring.
    That was the most surprising part of this vid and a huge tribute to your wife.
    You are very very good. Must now backtrack over all your f150 videos.
    Stay safe in there man. //ji

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Black and blue dress says:

    Ratchet straps work great. If I’m doing arms on one of these though I give the option to sell the cam kits for the lower arms

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stanley Mcfalls The Southern Comedian says:

    Another great video. …..

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stanley Mcfalls The Southern Comedian says:

    I'm late lol

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars F Huber says:

    My first car I aligned with a tape measure.

    That rack makes it a lot easier.

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Judi H. says:

    If the driver side was good why didn't you adjust the upper passenger arm to match it.

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Terry Robertson says:

    How many of the bolts that you re-used are actually considered one time use only by Ford ?

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RTDragonCommando says:

    I was always taught you want a tiny amount of negative camber, never positive. It can have a fairly significant effect on handling to have positive camber because of the way the tyre will roll under the wheel when cornering. With vehicles with tall sidewalls like trucks it's actually even more pronounced.

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Pastyman says:

    Wheel alignments your way EASY 👌

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul Microns says:

    the washer on the tire is driving me nuts !

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars whatroads4x4 says:

    Why cant it just be fixed point? For the camberr. I dont understand the design philosophy

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Saunders Jones Jr says:

    Have a great weekend!!

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gary Archer says:

    Alignments are the hardest part of my day and you make it look so easy I can never get the camber and caster to do what I want it to do on front end set ups like this one

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jim Sherman says:

    Somewhat surprised you didn’t add an alignment kit. Fairly cheap and makes final adjustments easier and it stays put. Big money maker for some alignment shops. I added them before going in for alignment.

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars EricRobertson says:

    on my rack i usually do wheel off adjustments. your rack don't have that feature?

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Knot Computing says:

    Here’s a neat trick for ya, take 2 pieces of metal under each tire with in between them. At that point you can move the tires more easily. The only thing I would not want to do is have the car in the air.

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DB 9066 says:

    Impressive 👍👍👍

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Pedro Dones says:

    You need a winch

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Darren says:

    Thank you Ray for another great video and you really do have great imagination!

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Happy Wrenching says:

    Nice job!! show all the final numbers next time though.

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steve C says:

    Why does an alignment cost so much? … That's why. LOL … Strap usage was cool!

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike Patterson says:

    Thanks for the video, always enjoy watching!

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Why Not says:

    Imagine owning a 2004 f150 and not knowing how to replace control arms and ball joints.

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul Villere says:

    What I have done when changing those upper control arms is too measure the height before popping the ball joint and use the measurement to set the new one

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The Curtain Flapper says:

    No green subscribe button today Ray.

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Antonio Claudio Michael says:

    Nice work ray

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stealth G35 Infiniti says:

    On some front wheel drive cars, a Cam Bolt makes adjustments for setting Camber a lot easier.

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jay Sosa says:

    I can’t believe there were no torches involved in the filming of this process I have to torch jam nuts on vehicles a couple years old in the north

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Oscar Jones says:

    Had no idea how much shit went into alignments. Especially how the alignment rack moved different parts of the vehicle??

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Antonio Claudio Michael says:

    Nice work on the old school ratchet strap alignment Ray

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jay Sosa says:

    We had a big chain that had hooks for each side and a ratcheting mechanism in the middle at my last shop it works great for bigger trucks when you gotta bring it in

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rexen Prime says:

    Hey Rey, whays the name of the music you used during the passenger ball joint replacement in part 1? I couldnt find it in the description anywhere. Im curious.

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shyne says:

    Your defeninitly a great mechanic I love ur videos but do u guys like doing the job more then one time all I ever see u guys use is autozone duralast brand parts all autozone control arms and ball joints I’ve had duralast ball joints brand new have play rite out the box idk why u guys always use cheap brand parts I give it a month tops before this owner is back for warranty problems stay away from duralast u being so experienced u should know that brand lacks quality their control arms ball joints hubs wheel bearings struts are all trash and axles look on YouTube and look up autozone duralast parts junk a lot of people have problems with them usually shops always go with moogs when it comes to aftermarket never go with the store chain brand

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Aubrey Stanley says:

    Caster and camber and toe adjustments these days. I still remember performing steering axis inclination adjustments.

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 1987 mercury says:

    man! you guys, and all of us, are getting an extra healthy dose of the FLANDERS PHONE today! lol love these videos man, keep em coming!

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars GTO Mike says:

    what a pain good job ray

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Wills Restorations says:

    There are very few shops that do an actual wheel alignment, most people will get scammed by places like Mavis discount tire where they claim they do a full four wheel one and an unsuspecting customer never realizes that they just did the towing and toe out on the front of the vehicle and shipped it out.

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Google says:

    Excessive ball joint wear: couldn't you have replaced the ball joints alone?

  50. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars terry harvey says:

    Still hearing brake drag noise on test drive. From the looks of the rotors and the newness of the pads I'd say no new rotors or turning of the rotors took place when pads were replaced. They appeared to have groves and hot spots on them. If I were Ray, Id want to ask the customer the details of his brake job and mention the noise just to CYA … cover your arse… Someone else mentioned and I too, did not remember seeing Ray tighten the lower strut to lower control arm bolt when he had the car on the alignment lift. All in all, damn good job Ray.

  51. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Christian Magnusson says:

    How many in here went GALILEO ?!!? Or just me 😂

  52. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars SueBobChicVid says:

    I made the mistake of lifting something with a ratchet strap. I realized my mistake when I needed to lower it in a controlled fashion.

  53. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Job38 Four says:

    I thoroughly enjoyed this video, it put right to sleep, thankyou your awesome………

  54. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Donald Scott says:

    By raising the vehicle at center would bring suspension equal

  55. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Bailey says:

    How does it stay aligned with no positive retention like cams or shims? Seems the LCA bolts would move around no matter how tight. That's a crappy setup.

  56. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars purtis99 says:

    Funny, in aircraft most of the time we would tighten the nut…

  57. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joe Scribner says:

    Alignments on these F150 trucks is a pain ! I usually adjust the caster and camber with the wheels elevated, jacked up on the frame. It takes most of the tension off of the lower control arm.

  58. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars TheLonesomeToad says:

    I've always liked about .25 to .4 less positive camber on the left to compensate for road crown.

  59. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Braman says:

    As a young technician learning alignment I was taught to always consider the driver and passenger weight and put quickcrete bags in the. seat where large folks sat to correct camber issues. Don't know if anyone does that anymore. Always fun to explain what was going on to the customer when I got caught.

  60. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars cengeb says:

    Doing the alignments with such bad tires?

  61. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars falfas55bgas says:

    Looks sketchy with the ratchet strap. I'd have used a come along.

  62. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JAMES KONET says:

    Someome once told me you can not align I-beams

  63. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RadioNul says:

    great clickage spec

  64. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Know One says:

    Good Job Ray

  65. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chad Fraser says:

    I'm always astounded by how good Milwaukee's M12 lineup is. Ray should get their sponsorship.

  66. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The Quick Brown Fox says:

    Ray could you please do a video explaining the crazy fad of putting tiny wheels on cars and having the tiny wheels tilted at a pretty severe angle? I still see some of those things around and wonder how they can even be driven, let alone how long the tires last. Probably a vid for your other channel.

  67. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J Wray says:

    WOW…. WEIGHT ON WHEELS.. means something else in the navy

  68. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dan Heiberg says:

    So how we’re wheel alignments done before lasers and computers? As always another great video. 🇨🇦

  69. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brian Shafranek says:

    More respect for alignment people now!! Great job Ray especially at the end “if you didn’t like it don’t know what to tell yea”

  70. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bradley Wall says:

    What I LOVE about Ray is watching someone work hard, teach while doing it, and have a general joy of working hard! No complains or anything, just faces a challenge gets over it.
    Almost like I'm there helping, but in my chair in my cozy house with ma Coffee!

    Thank you Ray!

  71. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Spacecoastz says:

    Why is castor not a live measurement? Interesting to understand this stuff.

  72. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steve c says:

    I can see now why Toyota uses cams on their wheel alignment bolts to adjust wheel position. Surprised that Ford doesn't do the same.

  73. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Christian Sanabria says:

    Where are you located in Florida have a problem with my car

  74. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Pat Green says:

    …..What do you think about doing a
    LIVE STREAM with Eric O?

  75. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Don's Junkmail says:

    "Change of plan"…😁

  76. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dain Smart says:

    It's just like a 4 legged table with a wobble you cut one a bit shorter to STOP the wobble but it still wobbles and so on lol😁

  77. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jonathan S says:

    WHOLE TRUCK GRAVITY!! 😂😂😂

  78. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Doug Williams says:

    brake pads needed lube on backside of pad?

  79. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars OldKatz says:

    whole truck gravity is bad that means it fell off the lift

  80. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Don's Junkmail says:

    Rachet straps…indeed.. I pulled power cables out Aux one Uss J P J 100f deck 3. JPJ almost "cooked" too at BAE San Diego😳. bit ancient soapbox…

  81. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars imystery man says:

    I might have missed it, but did you do a final torque on the lower strut bolts?

  82. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Doug Williams says:

    what is in the front driver's side tire?

  83. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris' Caravan Capers says:

    Seems a bit hit or miss with the adjustment routine., some bolted adjustment should be employe,. but I supopose that costs money in the production process. Cheap doesn't mean better simpler. Good instructional video though, despite having to mess around with rachet straps.

  84. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars charles harper says:

    Need to have t shirt made saying doo Doo Doo the phone sound🤣🤣

  85. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars harold h says:

    Imagine how hard this was when there was no computer — I used to watch my dad this this with tape measures, chark, string and plates…

  86. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark Coleman says:

    To pop the ratchet strap, pull up on the release and push it out flat and POP 👍

  87. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Billy Miles says:

    Off topic, but what’s with the “USED TOILET” and “CAUTION“ signs at the end of the shop?

  88. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Allstylin One says:

    Great work on the alignment

  89. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Andrew W says:

    Ray, a question : Did the new ball joints sort out the wobbly steering wheel under brakes? Or is that yet to be addressed?

  90. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars theeddorian says:

    As an occasional DIY'r I often had to address overly tight bolts and nuts with some sort of cheater. I used that box-end, open-end trick twice. The first time it worked. The second time the mouth/jaw/? of the open-ended wrench nearest me snapped right off and ricocheted off my forehead. Lead to a definite preference for higher quality tools when I could find them and afford them.

  91. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Vernon Zimmerman says:

    Would it make sense to recheck alignment after the test drive at least, if not 500 miles later? That stuff will settle in and I would think it would change the results?

  92. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Loki Games says:

    Ahh the old ratchet strap leverage niiice.🤘

  93. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars acdii says:

    Used the same method to install the track bar on my 12 F350. The weight pushes the axle to the right so have to pull the body and axle together with the strap. Sure makes things much easier.

  94. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris M Smalley says:

    What was stuck in the drivers side tire at the beginning of this video when you spoke to Peter? It looks like a thread insert of some sort? Could be a sticker, im blind as a bat.

  95. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ricardo vega says:

    Why didn’t you install the Spc camber/caster kit for the truck?

  96. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jay Wolf Elite Ammunition says:

    I had two 6 six foot pry bars and a come along to make suspension work easier.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.