Alignment gurus: out-of-spec SAI a concern?

[HanSolex]

Just lifted my 2004 V8 with FJ coils and Bilstein 5100s up front. Truck's never been hit hard, as far as I can tell, although who knows if it ever kissed a curb with a previous owner. Anyways, got it aligned after the lift and the SAI is out of spec. I'm not super familiar with that aspect of alignments and am trying to gauge how concerned I should be. I do have 30 days to get it realigned for free if this could be an issue with the alignment, but my understanding is that SAI isn't something that can be adjusted. If I'm wrong, pipe up, please.

Basically, given the specs linked below, will the SAI cause any problems? Should I think about replacing the steering knuckle? Not sure how to gauge how major or minor the effect of this number will be down the road.

All help appreciated. Thanks!

PS - I see that I'm running out of caster, if I jack it up any more I'll look into UCAs.

 

[HanSolex]

Bump ... anyone able to chime in as to whether this SAI number is a concern?


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[RonJR]

I think there's a measurement error there, or something slipped during the alignment process between measuring the camber and measuring the SAI. Given that you only changed the camber by less than 1 degree, there's no way the SAI should have changed by over 3 degrees. Doesn't add up to me. SAI should change roughly the same amount as the camber changed, in the opposite direction. Notice that the right side follows this pattern. I'd take it back and have it redone, and if it doesn't get better, go to a different shop.

Your caster numbers are pretty low, and will likely result in vague and wandering steering on the highway. I'd look into aftermarket UCA's to get the caster up to more like 3+ degrees. It'll drive a lot better.

 

[HanSolex]

I think there's a measurement error there, or something slipped during the alignment process between measuring the camber and measuring the SAI. Given that you only changed the camber by less than 1 degree, there's no way the SAI should have changed by over 3 degrees. Doesn't add up to me. SAI should change roughly the same amount as the camber changed, in the opposite direction. Notice that the right side follows this pattern. I'd take it back and have it redone, and if it doesn't get better, go to a different shop.

Your caster numbers are pretty low, and will likely result in vague and wandering steering on the highway. I'd look into aftermarket UCA's to get the caster up to more like 3+ degrees. It'll drive a lot better.

You make a really good point. Here I'm thinking maybe the steering knuckle was bent, but unless they bent it on the rack the SAI issue would have been there in the "before" numbers. I don't love the shop that aligned it but it's close and the Firestone nearby is beyond awful. Lesser of two evils.

I suppose I'll take it back and see what they say. Measurement error seems likely. I'd like to know what the current numbers *really* are, if just for reference.