4R scary on the highway/wind

[tdsmither]

I don't mean to hijack the thread, but since I have a wife and kids riding in this thing at highway speeds I can't go cheap on UCAs. Which are considered more reliable total chaos uniball or the icon tubular UCA uniball.

 

[telum01]

You'll be fine either way.

Whatever difference there is would only be important if you take your wife and kids Baja racing.

 

[dirtysparks]

I'm not understanding this footprint for LT load range tire here. I know to get the same load rating as stock I need to be at 44psi, but this doesn't look right to me. Shouldn't I have even wear all the way across to the end of the lugs?

265/70/17 C load.

The first pic is my chalk test at 40psi.

The second is my tire footprint on a dirty paved road at 44 psi. You can see an inch or so on each side that has no contact.

Now, I think I get a fairy flat footprint at 38 psi (no pic), but I feel like that's a little low + it ends up driving a little wiggly and loose.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

when was your last alignment?

 

[dirtysparks]

Right after I did the lift + tires.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

hmm, after getting mine aligned post lift i had really weird uneven tire wear, but they sat fine and level on the ground. i was thinking there might have been camber issues with your alignment but it doesnt look like it has caused it

 

[BlackWorksInc]

That chalk test doesn't look too bad, the edges aren't exactly flat so I wouldn't expect them to sit perfect. It looks almost more like .5" on each side which I would probably not fret over myself.

Keep in mind also you will wear out and/or feather the outer edge of your front tires more than the rears depending on how aggressive you are when turning.

 

[Cornelius]

I'm with Preacher and wnelax on this one - I think replacing the bushings would probably help a lot. That, with proper inflation and caster, would probably make a huge improvement in your highway handling.

If you end up getting results with something, check back in and let us know. I'm curious to see what fixes it for you.

 

[gm350reratliff]

I'd recommend some aftermarket UCAs (not Camburgs) and bringing the caster up to around 4°. I would also dial back the camber to about -.10°, maybe even -.20°. The low caster you have now is primarily the reason the handling is so twitchy.

 

[dirtysparks]

Tire pressure bumped to 44 psi helped a lot but wanted to be sure it was ok for traction/wear. Looking at uca's to put on after winter is over and will update if/when I go that route. Why not camburg?

 

[salong53]

Sounds like I'm beating a dead horse here, but the caster needs to be increased. I'd say shoot for minimum 3*. I would also shoot for just a hint of negative camber. Say between -.05* and -.10*. A touch more toe-in may help stabilize highway on-center feel as well. I had a similar issue after I installed my Daystar lift, but the realignment fixed it.

 

[gm350reratliff]

I just installed Camburgs on my 5th gen but could only get acceptable caster on the driver side. Had to bring the caster down on that side to match the low caster on the passenger side (2.3 degrees). It drives good and doesn't pull or wander but I wanted more caster. I would choose a different UCA next time. Honestly, for adjustment's sake, it's hard to beat the SPC UCA's. I easily got 4 degrees out of them on my 4th gen.

 

[dirtysparks]

Thanks for the comments, I will talk the specs over with my alignment shop. That's the first I've heard on camburg not allowing proper adjustment, they are supposed to be built with castor added back in. I've been scared away from the light racing ucas from their manufacturing issues.

 

[chompster4runner]

My casters are just over 3° and its still a bit hairy when the wind is gushing. Also a little twitchy on uneven surface. Surprised Sears was able to get the spec within the online community sheets.:help:

 

[RL Lemke]

I don't understand the handling issues some are offering here. I have a 3" suspension lift with Donahoe/Icon coil overs and Total Chaos UCAs. Easy alignment, which lasts for years. Tires wear flat and even. Blizzards and monsoon rain driving without any issue. Freeway ramps at speed and the 4Runner remains flat. Lots of slow speed compliance, with firm high speed dampening.

Some years ago I tried spacers and found that the suspension turned to crap.

So, I wonder if it is the selections of aftermarket parts that is affecting the handling of some 4th Gen 4Runners?