Just thought I'd share what I have experienced so far on my 4Runner regarding this issue. I had the OME lift installed and afterwards, I've found that the best an alignment shop can get on Caster is 1.7º, the factory specs are 2.5º-4.0º. All the other specs are attainable. It seems to drive fine, and most articles I've read say that Caster out a bit won't affect tire wear, just handling. I now don't have anything to compare to other than memory of how it handled before installing OME. Of course the options now are to install aftermarket UCA's. There was no mention from Toytec or ARB about this. So just something to think about. What I'm wondering now is if I'll be inducing some binding in the factory UCA's when doing moderate off roading. Time will tell, and if I wear out factory UCA's prematurely then I'll go aftermarket, with the options being from about $500-1350, depending on Toytec's Light Racing arms or Icon's Billet arms.
OME/Alignment/Caster 2012 4Runner
- Thread starter Bradley
- Start date
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jbstrd
New member
As you stated, in your case, your handling will be the only thing affected. Aftermarket UCA's also allow you to run extended travel CO's which afford an additional 7/8" or so of travel. I don't think you will have any binding issues with your setup. I say if the handling is fine for you now, don't worry about the UCA's until later. If you want to run larger tires, being able to get the caster at 4 degrees gets the tire away from the body mount. Something to think about.
BigredTEX
New member
Speaking from experience; I have the OME set-up, but this applies to any aftermarket lift. Setting caster at less than 3 degrees on the 5th gen does not provide enough centering force in the steering, resulting in sometimes less than optimal handling characteristics, the tendency to follow the most minor of road imperfections and over sensitivity to cross winds. You will not experience any binding or other negative issues with the sock UCAs. I strongly recommend going with aftermarket, adjustable UCAs that will allow you to adjust the caster to as close to 4 degrees as possible. With the stock UCAs you cannot get more caster than what you are getting without the camber going too far negative, resulting in excess tire wear.
BigredTEX
New member
I appreciate both of your reply's above! I do think it does wander a bit more easily as you've mentioned. I'm sure I'll end up with some aftermarket UCA's. Quite the price range from Light Racing to Icon though, decisions, decisions. Thanks again.eace:
I've got the LR UCA's and I'm happy with them. There are much more expensive options out there, but these have proven to be up to the challenge with some pretty aggressive off-roading. The only issue I've had is squeaking bushings that were fixed with lube.
