12-25-2012, 07:59 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Montana
Posts: 15
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Montana
Posts: 15
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OME/Alignment/Caster 2012 4Runner
Just thought I'd share what I have experienced so far on my 4Runner regarding this issue. I had the OME lift installed and afterwards, I've found that the best an alignment shop can get on Caster is 1.7º, the factory specs are 2.5º-4.0º. All the other specs are attainable. It seems to drive fine, and most articles I've read say that Caster out a bit won't affect tire wear, just handling. I now don't have anything to compare to other than memory of how it handled before installing OME. Of course the options now are to install aftermarket UCA's. There was no mention from Toytec or ARB about this. So just something to think about. What I'm wondering now is if I'll be inducing some binding in the factory UCA's when doing moderate off roading. Time will tell, and if I wear out factory UCA's prematurely then I'll go aftermarket, with the options being from about $500-1350, depending on Toytec's Light Racing arms or Icon's Billet arms.
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12-25-2012, 08:26 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Washougal, WA
Posts: 1,253
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Washougal, WA
Posts: 1,253
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bradley
Just thought I'd share what I have experienced so far on my 4Runner regarding this issue. I had the OME lift installed and afterwards, I've found that the best an alignment shop can get on Caster is 1.7º, the factory specs are 2.5º-4.0º. All the other specs are attainable. It seems to drive fine, and most articles I've read say that Caster out a bit won't affect tire wear, just handling. I now don't have anything to compare to other than memory of how it handled before installing OME. Of course the options now are to install aftermarket UCA's. There was no mention from Toytec or ARB about this. So just something to think about. What I'm wondering now is if I'll be inducing some binding in the factory UCA's when doing moderate off roading. Time will tell, and if I wear out factory UCA's prematurely then I'll go aftermarket, with the options being from about $500-1350, depending on Toytec's Light Racing arms or Icon's Billet arms.
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As you stated, in your case, your handling will be the only thing affected. Aftermarket UCA's also allow you to run extended travel CO's which afford an additional 7/8" or so of travel. I don't think you will have any binding issues with your setup. I say if the handling is fine for you now, don't worry about the UCA's until later. If you want to run larger tires, being able to get the caster at 4 degrees gets the tire away from the body mount. Something to think about.
__________________
2013 TE w/ KDSS, Icon ET CO's, LR UCA's, OME 898's, OME Rear Shocks, MT Lower Links, 315/70/17 BFG KM3's, 17x8 FN FX Pros, Spidertrax, MT Sliders, Heated Seats, Console Vault, Satoshi Grill, Cl, Shrockworks Front Bumper/Full Skids, Warn XD9000, CBI Rear, Safari Snorkel, ARB Front Locker, ARB Twin Compressor, 4.56 Gears, Xventure XV-2 Trailer
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12-25-2012, 09:20 PM
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#3
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Member
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Dallas (Carrollton), TX
Posts: 460
Real Name: Rick
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Dallas (Carrollton), TX
Posts: 460
Real Name: Rick
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bradley
Just thought I'd share what I have experienced so far on my 4Runner regarding this issue. I had the OME lift installed and afterwards, I've found that the best an alignment shop can get on Caster is 1.7º, the factory specs are 2.5º-4.0º. All the other specs are attainable. It seems to drive fine, and most articles I've read say that Caster out a bit won't affect tire wear, just handling. I now don't have anything to compare to other than memory of how it handled before installing OME. Of course the options now are to install aftermarket UCA's. There was no mention from Toytec or ARB about this. So just something to think about. What I'm wondering now is if I'll be inducing some binding in the factory UCA's when doing moderate off roading. Time will tell, and if I wear out factory UCA's prematurely then I'll go aftermarket, with the options being from about $500-1350, depending on Toytec's Light Racing arms or Icon's Billet arms.
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Speaking from experience; I have the OME set-up, but this applies to any aftermarket lift. Setting caster at less than 3 degrees on the 5th gen does not provide enough centering force in the steering, resulting in sometimes less than optimal handling characteristics, the tendency to follow the most minor of road imperfections and over sensitivity to cross winds. You will not experience any binding or other negative issues with the sock UCAs. I strongly recommend going with aftermarket, adjustable UCAs that will allow you to adjust the caster to as close to 4 degrees as possible. With the stock UCAs you cannot get more caster than what you are getting without the camber going too far negative, resulting in excess tire wear.
__________________
2012 Trail Edition, Salsa Red, MetalTech (Icon) Long Travel Rear, Panhard Relocation Bracket, Radflo 2.5" Extended Travel Front, LR UCA's, 17x9 XD wheels, Cooper S/T Maxx 285/75-17's (34"), 4.56 Gears, Wet Okoles, Weather Tech FLoor Covers, Canvasback Cargo Covers, Shrockworks Sliders, BudBuilt Hidden Winch w/ Warn 9.5ti, On-Board Air (using sliders as air tanks), Rigid D2's, RCI Skids, Body Mount Chop, Console Vault.
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12-25-2012, 11:57 PM
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#4
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Junior Member
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Montana
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Montana
Posts: 15
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OME/Alignment/Caster 2012 4Runner
I appreciate both of your reply's above! I do think it does wander a bit more easily as you've mentioned. I'm sure I'll end up with some aftermarket UCA's. Quite the price range from Light Racing to Icon though, decisions, decisions. Thanks again.
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12-26-2012, 01:07 AM
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#5
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Member
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Dallas (Carrollton), TX
Posts: 460
Real Name: Rick
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Dallas (Carrollton), TX
Posts: 460
Real Name: Rick
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bradley
I appreciate both of your reply's above! I do think it does wander a bit more easily as you've mentioned. I'm sure I'll end up with some aftermarket UCA's. Quite the price range from Light Racing to Icon though, decisions, decisions. Thanks again.
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I've got the LR UCA's and I'm happy with them. There are much more expensive options out there, but these have proven to be up to the challenge with some pretty aggressive off-roading. The only issue I've had is squeaking bushings that were fixed with lube.
__________________
2012 Trail Edition, Salsa Red, MetalTech (Icon) Long Travel Rear, Panhard Relocation Bracket, Radflo 2.5" Extended Travel Front, LR UCA's, 17x9 XD wheels, Cooper S/T Maxx 285/75-17's (34"), 4.56 Gears, Wet Okoles, Weather Tech FLoor Covers, Canvasback Cargo Covers, Shrockworks Sliders, BudBuilt Hidden Winch w/ Warn 9.5ti, On-Board Air (using sliders as air tanks), Rigid D2's, RCI Skids, Body Mount Chop, Console Vault.
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12-26-2012, 01:19 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Washougal, WA
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Washougal, WA
Posts: 1,253
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I, too, run LR UCA's. I have minimal use so far, but many on this forum have had great experience with them. In addition, I got them for $375 through Metal Tech. Great bang for the buck.
__________________
2013 TE w/ KDSS, Icon ET CO's, LR UCA's, OME 898's, OME Rear Shocks, MT Lower Links, 315/70/17 BFG KM3's, 17x8 FN FX Pros, Spidertrax, MT Sliders, Heated Seats, Console Vault, Satoshi Grill, Cl, Shrockworks Front Bumper/Full Skids, Warn XD9000, CBI Rear, Safari Snorkel, ARB Front Locker, ARB Twin Compressor, 4.56 Gears, Xventure XV-2 Trailer
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