Originally posted by TomV: I don't understand how this will increase the wear rate of axles and bearing? The 1998 Ford CDROM Workshop Manual actually states the following for the Contour front suspension specifications:
Maximum variation - left to right-hand side - Castor 1.00�° (1�°00') Camber 1.25�° (1�°15')
The subframe being out of alignment???
I was responding to "your" post not the caster/camber question.
To add: if you don't align the powertrain the effects are even worse. (i.e. OEM powertrain alignment tool)
Caster & camber within specs should not adversely affect either. Significant caster or camber can though because it harshly changes the angle of the shaft's outer tripod housing and also increases the downward force applied on the inner edge of the bearings.
2000 SVT #674
13.47 @ 102 - All Motor!
It was not broke; Yet I fixed it anyway.
Thanks for the clarification, now I see your point. Looks like I've got some more scheduling to do. It feels like this problem is never going to go away.
The 1998 Ford CDROM Workshop Manual actually states the following for the Contour front suspension specifications: 
It feels like this problem is never going to go away. 