Alignment Post Lift

[Chilow]

Hello Guys,

I'll be installing Bilstein 5100s all around. Front set at 1.75, rear with 1 inch spacer. Did not get aftermarket UCA because I read on here that it's not needed if it's under 2.5 inches of lift. I searched this forum for alignment specs and everyone seems to go with as much caster as the alignment shop can get while keeping all other areas of alignment within factory specs.

Is there a reason for increasing caster compared to factory caster specs? Should I be asking for "as much caster as possible" or is there a specific magic number?

I just want even tire wear, no wandering, drives straight. Thanks!

 

[3wbdriver]

I just want even tire wear, no wandering, drives straight. Thanks!

For the second 2 that means caster. Tire wear is more a result of toe and camber. You want somewhere between 2.5 - 4.0 degrees of caster with all other things being equal. They could only get me 1.5 after my 5100 lift at 1.75" in 2014. But I don't think they messed with the LCA caster bolts at all.

 

[wfo9]

The median for factory caster is 3.33 (I think)

You won't be able to get that much after a lift. That is why people will tell you to get as much as possible.

The other reason they tell you to get as much as possible is that the specs allow for a big range. So most techs are lazy and don't care and will say it is within spec or not even bother to look at it. When you lift... you naturally lose caster and the steering becomes twitchy.. Most alignment techs adjust toe and that is all.. because that is all many cars allow to be adjusted.

Also, this is an area where each truck is different. Some just don't seem to cooperate when it comes to alignment and you have to take what you can get.

 

[Tlowe]

The median for factory caster is 3.33 (I think)

You won't be able to get that much after a lift. That is why people will tell you to get as much as possible.

The other reason they tell you to get as much as possible is that the specs allow for a big range. So most techs are lazy and don't care and will say it is within spec or not even bother to look at it. When you lift... you naturally lose caster and the steering becomes twitchy.. Most alignment techs adjust toe and that is all.. because that is all many cars allow to be adjusted.

Also, this is an area where each truck is different. Some just don't seem to cooperate when it comes to alignment and you have to take what you can get.

Man that just really pisses me off because the only thing I can't do to my truck myself is the alignment and its going to be a PITA to get a good tech that will actually do it right. Why is it so hard to follow instructions and just do things properly? especially when its your only job! so disappointed that this is a fact of life but Ce La Vie. *Rant over*
Hopefully I can find a good shop that will do it right.

 

[uplusd]

I got 2.8 on the left and 2.6 on the right, with the same parts and lift that you're planning on doing

 

[Chilow]

Thank you everyone for the replies. Sounds like I need to find a good alignment shop and ask them to get it to factory specs, but get the most amount of caster as possible.

 

[3wbdriver]

Man that just really pisses me off because the only thing I can't do to my truck myself is the alignment and its going to be a PITA to get a good tech that will actually do it right. Why is it so hard to follow instructions and just do things properly? especially when its your only job! so disappointed that this is a fact of life but Ce La Vie. *Rant over*
Hopefully I can find a good shop that will do it right.

You CAN crawl under the truck and adjust the caster cams for all the way out on the rear and all the way in on the front. This will put it at maximum possible caster BEFORE you take it to a dealer or shop. Then they'll have to mess with more than just toe. Driving it a few miles like that won't damage anything but it may handle like crap for the short drive.