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Author Topic: LT250 Front Camber Mod  (Read 6822 times)

Offline QuadDave

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LT250 Front Camber Mod
« on: October 01, 2012, 09:52:31 am »
I think most everyone knows this modification, but if not, here it is.

All LT250's were originally built with positive camber. Positive camber is when the top of the tire is tilted outward.
When turning, this allows the tire to roll over on the side wall making the handling less than desirable.

Here's the fix:
 1) Remove the lower ball joint from the lower a-arm.
 2) Grind the 2 "flats" on the lower arm that locate the ball joint FLUSH.
 3) Find or fab some washers/spacers approximately .200" that have the same ID as the ball joint OD.
 4) Slide the washer over the ball joint and reinstall. (Note: use an adjustable wrench to hold the ball joint from turning)
 5) Re-set your toe-in alignment.
      Note: do not go over a .200" spacer/washer as the ball joint bolt will not have enough thread "bite" into the ball joint.

Here's a small photo showing the finished setup (note: I machined down a blue hex nut instead of using washers)

"Insandity isn't hereditary, but you can get it from anyone"

85 LT250R
86 LT250R/500 (in work)
09 YFZ450R
08 TRX250EX

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Offline Rider414

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #1 on: October 01, 2012, 03:37:40 pm »
Wasn't this the flamed wonder bike that was for sale?

This mod goes for the 500 too.
Ain't ever seen it......but I have heard it.

Offline QuadDave

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #2 on: October 02, 2012, 11:57:32 am »
Wasn't this the flamed wonder bike that was for sale?

Key word "was".
Keeping it for my 2-stroke fix until the hybrid is done.
"Insandity isn't hereditary, but you can get it from anyone"

85 LT250R
86 LT250R/500 (in work)
09 YFZ450R
08 TRX250EX

Offline Rogue1970

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #3 on: October 02, 2012, 12:40:50 pm »
Yes, 500's can do the same camber mod.



Same mod as the 250.  Grind down the ball joint lock tabs, find some washers that are .200" and install them.  Once complete, reset your toe and your good to go.

Offline Iceracer

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #4 on: October 02, 2012, 05:20:14 pm »
For the record If you get longer bolts you can go more than. .2"
I Think I went .375 to get the wheel to be @ 2 deg negative. I used some Cromolly tubing I cut on the lathe.

Offline Heminutt

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #5 on: October 02, 2012, 05:40:02 pm »
i did the same as iceracer and have had no problems
89 zilla Bartlett racing Dune Porting,42.5mm rx'd carb,DrQ pipe, vf3 reeds
 89 lt250r custom frame with Bartlett racin Dune Porting, DR Q pipe, zilla carb, vf3 reeds
 00 426ex 12:5 comp, stage2 cam, full yosh exauast, +2+1 a arms, +2 lons

Offline Deebo

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #6 on: October 02, 2012, 06:43:58 pm »
For the record If you get longer bolts you can go more than. .2"
I Think I went .375 to get the wheel to be @ 2 deg negative. I used some Cromolly tubing I cut on the lathe.

Got any pics?

Offline Iceracer

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #7 on: October 03, 2012, 05:06:58 am »
I doubt it I did it on mine before I went to Burgard arms That was probably7+ years ago. All my stuff is  Yfz 450 based now and has been for a few years. I think I gave all my oem a-arms away. If I still have a set I can mock it upagain but don't hold you breath.

Offline QuadDave

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #8 on: October 03, 2012, 07:56:50 am »
For the record If you get longer bolts you can go more than. .2"
I Think I went .375 to get the wheel to be @ 2 deg negative. I used some Cromolly tubing I cut on the lathe.

 I don't know why I never thought of that, that is a great idea and I think I have the right size tubing. Just need to find the longer bolt.
I'll post pics when I get it done.
"Insandity isn't hereditary, but you can get it from anyone"

85 LT250R
86 LT250R/500 (in work)
09 YFZ450R
08 TRX250EX

Offline Maxxh2o

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #9 on: October 03, 2012, 10:07:13 am »
This camber mod, combined with the bump steer mod (flip flopping tie rod spindle brackets) is one of the best and low buck improvements you can make on a 250. Glad I did it!

Offline Gusdabus73

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #10 on: October 03, 2012, 03:53:16 pm »
what is the bump steer mod if i may ask?
89 LT250R
Durablue +4 axle
69.75mm Fully ported Cylinder
Boyesen Rad valve
PWK 38

88 TRX 250R
JRD +3+1 A Arms
Custom AXIS Shocks F+R
Durablue +4 axle
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Fully built-ported-tuned 68mm Motor
PWK 38 Airstiker
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Both built by Gearhead Motorsports MIA

Offline Heminutt

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #11 on: October 03, 2012, 06:58:08 pm »
you flip the tie rod bracket thats on the spindle from the other side. so left goes to right
89 zilla Bartlett racing Dune Porting,42.5mm rx'd carb,DrQ pipe, vf3 reeds
 89 lt250r custom frame with Bartlett racin Dune Porting, DR Q pipe, zilla carb, vf3 reeds
 00 426ex 12:5 comp, stage2 cam, full yosh exauast, +2+1 a arms, +2 lons

Offline Gusdabus73

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #12 on: October 03, 2012, 08:49:24 pm »
You mean that the tie rod bracket would be pointing out toward the wheel?
89 LT250R
Durablue +4 axle
69.75mm Fully ported Cylinder
Boyesen Rad valve
PWK 38

88 TRX 250R
JRD +3+1 A Arms
Custom AXIS Shocks F+R
Durablue +4 axle
Lone Star Swing Arm
Lone Star +2 Stem
Fully built-ported-tuned 68mm Motor
PWK 38 Airstiker
Gusseted frame

Both built by Gearhead Motorsports MIA

Offline PCS

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #13 on: October 15, 2012, 10:48:57 pm »
el diablo: have you started this mod yet?  ;D
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Offline Rogue1970

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #14 on: October 15, 2012, 11:10:23 pm »
Good to know Iceracer!

Tie rod mod would make a good how to thread guys.  One for the 250 and similar mod for the 500.... just saying :D

Offline El Diablo

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #15 on: October 16, 2012, 10:25:47 am »
el diablo: have you started this mod yet?  ;D

Don't need to if I go with custom A-arms.
Brian
1988 Suzuki LT-250R (The HPR test mule)
1987 Suzuki LT-500R
1990 Suzuki LT-500R
1982 Honda ATC-185S
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Offline Dezsled

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #16 on: October 16, 2012, 11:00:43 am »
I'm not near my bike.

 What is the ball joint to a arm bolt thread pitch & length needed? For a Zilla thanks
87 HPR LT500
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85 & 86 LT250
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Offline Sublunacy

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #17 on: November 05, 2012, 10:27:30 am »
I have a beauty thread pitch checker with the metric hole sizes aswell. Does the trick. Metric thread pitch can almost allways be described as being course or fine thread thou. the hole size most important.

Armadillo or similiar has ball joints that fit our bikes and they are adjustable width and look a little better than stock in my opinion. Im not positive that the design is as stong as stock ball joints as they have alot of metal between the joint and the mount compared to the skinny looky armadillo's. I am thinking that only 2 are needed and should perhaps be mounted on the upper aarm not the lower, if the strength is notr there.... Rockymntatv sells them for around 25 apiece :)
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Offline SmokinOrBroken

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #18 on: January 02, 2013, 09:36:56 pm »
Im wworking on this mod right now. Will take pics as soon as im finished. And ill probably do the bump steer mod too
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Offline SmokinOrBroken

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #19 on: January 03, 2013, 01:05:05 pm »
Oes anyone else have stock ball joint bolts with a hole drilled from one end to the other?  Just wondering what this is for. Any input would be great
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Offline BadMoonRacing500

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #20 on: January 03, 2013, 01:40:58 pm »
Oes anyone else have stock ball joint bolts with a hole drilled from one end to the other?  Just wondering what this is for. Any input would be great
Could be there so you can safety wire them so they don't loosen up and come out.
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Offline El Diablo

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #21 on: January 03, 2013, 02:23:40 pm »
I'm not near my bike.

 What is the ball joint to a arm bolt thread pitch & length needed? For a Zilla thanks


12 x 1.25 according to my cheap chinese metric tap & die set.
Brian
1988 Suzuki LT-250R (The HPR test mule)
1987 Suzuki LT-500R
1990 Suzuki LT-500R
1982 Honda ATC-185S
1982 Honda ATC-250R

Offline Julle74

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #22 on: January 03, 2013, 03:58:32 pm »
What does the bump steer mod do to the steering?

Offline Dezsled

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #23 on: January 03, 2013, 04:38:04 pm »
Thanks Brian
87 HPR LT500
04 Roll LOBO II TRX250R
06 LTR450
87 LT500
85 & 86 LT250
86 & 87 TRX250R
07 & 09 Husqvarna TE450
00 CR125R

Offline Stpltn250r

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Re: LT250 Front Camber Mod
« Reply #24 on: January 03, 2013, 11:32:35 pm »
How doy yoy guys actually check your camber? Tape measure? How do you guys knoe how far negative it is?

 

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