A different alignment question

[sparkyy192]

Not to beat a dead horse, but I have a question regarding alignment specs.

I have a 2.75 inch lift up front with SPC UCA, 285/70 KO2s and 1.25 spidertrax spacers. I also have the BMC chop done so no rubbing.

However after installing the tires, I got an alignment and noticed my caster values at 3.29 and 2.74

I guess my question is, should I ask them to push these to 4? I don’t understand if that’s generally accepted as a better value for caster for these vehicles when lifted or if I should just keep my settings as long as it drives right (which it does)

My only concern is that the wheels do seem pushed back toward the rear more than front. If I still had the body mounts, I’d definitely rub.

I just want the optimal settings. If the suggestion to move to 4 degrees of caster is really just to clear the BMC but offers no other benefit, then maybe I’ll just leave what I have. Should I at least ask them to set caster even left/right? Not sure if the road crown argument is legit. I used my vehicle probably 40% off-road

 

[SBRChris]

I was watching the tech fix my alignment specs last week and when it goes to 4 on the caster, it actually goes from green (within spec) to red (out of spec.) They may not have gone as high as possible due to that.

I took mine back and had them change mine to 4 or above. 4.2 on both sides now.

 

[sparkyy192]

So, what was the reason you set it to 4? To clear the body mounts? Or is that a better setting overall for lifted 4runners compared to stock specs

 

[rdruss]

If you have SPC UCA and you have that print out, set the caster yourself following the info on the SPC sheet, it's pretty easy. The SPC's make it easy to adjust once you have a starting point like you have. Don't need to pay the alignment guys as they probably don't know how to adjust the SPC's anyway.

 

[TEujunga]

There's nothing inherently "better" about increased caster. Other than body mount clearance, which you've indicated isn't a problem for you, the only thing increased caster would do is MAYBE to enhance the steering's self-centering after a turn. If you're happy with the way it drives, including the self-centering behavior, then there's no reason to bump up caster to 4º or higher except to conform to the common groupthink vehicle modification adage: "If a little is good, a lot must be better."

 

[SBRChris]

So, what was the reason you set it to 4? To clear the body mounts? Or is that a better setting overall for lifted 4runners compared to stock specs

That's generally accepted as being a better caster setting in general for our vehicles. As you mentioned, a higher caster setting will push the wheel forward more into the wheel well.

I had mine moved because after installing aftermarket UCAs and going in for an alignment, I began to have a rubbing on the rear fender well again. So mine was required to stop the rubbing.

From my understanding, and I'm no expert, we should see better straight line tracking with a higher caster. Offsetting that, you would feel a little increased pressure required to steer.

Most lifted 4Runners with aftermarket UCAs and larger 285/70 tires will be running castor at or near 4 degrees.

 

[2021nightshade4x4]

It will be less likely to wander on the road at +4.00 degrees. Will alleviate pulling vs. leaving as-is.


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[BackOff]

There's nothing inherently "better" about increased caster. Other than body mount clearance, which you've indicated isn't a problem for you, the only thing increased caster would do is MAYBE to enhance the steering's self-centering after a turn. If you're happy with the way it drives, including the self-centering behavior, then there's no reason to bump up caster to 4º or higher except to conform to the common groupthink vehicle modification adage: "If a little is good, a lot must be better."

Thats just dumb.
We are not adding more caster to be any better or cooler than the crowd.
There are in fact positive driving characteristics to more caster.

I got sick of having white knuckes after every road trip.
4.5 * and its like a different car. Can relax on drives now...way better.

 

[daytonaviolet]

Tell them max out caster and others to spec.

 

[ax2021]

Here’s my last alignment printout. Huge difference. Drives like a dream now.


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[sparkyy192]

Here’s my last alignment printout. Huge difference. Drives like a dream now.

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Oh snap 18th ave. I grew up around there in the 90s, early 2000s

 

[2021nightshade4x4]

Here’s my last alignment printout. Huge difference. Drives like a dream now.


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Can I get 5 degrees of caster on my stock Nightshade, or is this going to require new parts?


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[ax2021]

Can I get 5 degrees of caster on my stock Nightshade, or is this going to require new parts?


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You don’t need a higher caster on stock suspension , only when you Going to lift your truck 2.5”+ then it will be the necessary and yes you will have to change UCA’s for higher caster ones. Other than that keep it in stock specks.


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