LR UCA maxed caster at +3.7?

[pprin]

Hi,

I need to little help figuring out if this is right from what the alignment tech told me. I tried searching the forum but not much info on my similar set up.

I have toytec suspension lift 3/2 and LR UCA. My wheels are 285/65/18 on 18x9 -12 offset.

I am trying to get my caster at +4.5 for better drivability on the highways and from rubbing the body mount when reversing at full lock. I have the LR UCA on position D. In this position can I get at least +4 of caster? The tech was only able to do +3.7. And I an still getting rubbing on the body mount.

Should I take it to another tech? Of course he didn't mess with the bolt on the UCA. I am just trying to make his job easier by putting it in the right position and let him adjust the LCA.

If I do have to adjust the position, which way should I go, to C or E to get more positive caster?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

First off the "D" setting is +2 additional degrees of Caster over the factor UCAs, that's not exactly saying it's set to 4 degrees.

Are you rubbing on compression or turns? That set up shouldn't be rubbing, the issue might be due to the wheel offset.

But depending on the condition of your suspension you may need to advance the UCA higher to get above 4 degrees of caster.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Should easily be able to get 4°+ in that position. You may have to explain to the tech to adjust the cams for maximum matching caster then fine tune camber by loosening the upper ball joints and sliding them in or out. The easiest way is to select "jack up front axle " on the alignment machine (which will freeze the measurements), lift the vehicle evenly by the LCAs (this will remove the weight/force from the upper ball joints and will be a whole lot easier to adjust), then adjust the camber. After adjusting, retorque the upper ball joints, select "lower front axle " on the alignment machine, lower vehicle and remeasure camber/caster. It may take a few times to dial it in, which most techs don't want to take the time to do.

Maybe post a pic of where the cams are now.

 

[blackoutt]

+4.5 is a lot of caster. It'll make your steering feel heavy and truck like (which to some degree is good, I've been happy around 3-3.5). Adding caster at the UCA won't make you further from your body mount since it pulls the top of the wheel back, adding caster at the LCA will increase that distance by pushing the bottom of the wheel forward.

A simple solution to help with body mount contact is to cut off the front corner of the body mount support like most have done in that area and deemed it unnecessary to support the body. Most will have a plate welded over the opening but lots of guys just leave it open, including me for now.

 

[neoguri]

+4.5 is a lot of caster. It'll make your steering feel heavy and truck like (which to some degree is good, I've been happy around 3-3.5).

:naughty: I see what you did there.

 

[pprin]

Thanks guys. The body chop would be my very last option. I am rubbing at no compression, mainly in reverse at full lock. When doing a full lock forward, some rubbing, not as bad as reverse. So much that my tire thread has niches on every corner.

It was at +3.5 before, now at +3.7, it really help some with less rubbing, and somewhat less steering wheel twitch. It still wonders some on uneven roads. I feel like my fore arm get a good work out holding the steering from twitching. I would not let the live-in girlfriend drive it, just seem unsafe for her until the steering feels better.

I would like to leave in position D and get +4 if possible. Like you said most techs are just not dedicated enough to do the job perfectly. A friend recommend me a shop 45 min away, I may make the drive out there to give it another try. Also I will print out what gm350 wrote.

 

[Brokeazzlos]

3.7 degrees of caster is absolutely perfect. That's what I run and prefer it to the heavy feel of 4+ degrees.

 

[pprin]

Yes, 3.7 does feel better, it still wonder some and twitchy. My main problem is body mount rub, maybe I am regretting getting -12 offset wheels.

I have an appointment tomorrow with an alignment specialist, we will see how it goes.

 

[Macallan]

for reference:

 

[pprin]

So I went to another alignment shop... useless, they only got up +3.8 on the right side. And still +3.7 on the left.

The alignment tech was really nice and we was about to adjust the UCA, he went to find a bigger socket, then his master tech or manager came by and says right off the bat, my wheels are too big. They are not going to ruin my car and put it out if spec. I told him all I want is move it up to keep it from rubbing the body mount. He won't insist, he told me to lift it higher or get smaller tires.

Anyways, I end up paying another alignment job.

Now my other question, he mentioned about higher lift. I do have adjustable bilstein 5100 on the lowest setting. Can I bring it up a notch to possibly clear the body rub? I have Toytec front spacer 3" lift, I read not a good idea to adjust it if I have spacers instead of coils.

Here is what my car look (taken 3 days ago).