80 Series - Caster on 2” Lift

[Riggins03]

Question for the experts - Should I worry about correcting this caster (-0.5)? Purchased with a 2” lift installed. I have a 93, so it appears ABS lines are mounted to the radius arms. Drop bracket is likely not an option, so would need caster correction plates on diff. How concerning is -0.5 degree?

 

[Riggins03]

@LandCruiserPhil summed it up well

With negative caster, your truck is likely to wander and be unpredictable on uneven road surfaces and particularly when braking. It's not a relaxing drive
With caster at 3⁰+, you can comfortably drive with one finger on the wheel (assuming everything else under the front end is in good shape)

That’s what I’m aiming for. A more comfortable driving experience overall. Thanks!

 

[Riggins03]

My plates index to the axle brackets and provide a guide to drill a hole to relocate the bolt position. That position is well beyond the area of the factory location.

Stitching my plate to the factory bracket is a common cautionary practice.

I appreciate you for providing so much information.

 

[smorkington]

just do plates its the easiest

 

[landtank]

I was out in Cali last year and found that I had a cracked frame at the steering box. I needed to find a welder in a big way. Ended up at a muffler shop. The guy was great, put the truck up in the air, prepped it for the weld and welded it. Truck drove strait as an arrow. The guy charged me $25.

Anyone worried about the welding aspect of the install hit up some local muffler shops. The chain stores might not help but I'm sure a local guy would help you out.

 

[Yoter91]

How realistic is going back to stock setup after using these ? Bought vehicle with 2.5" lift but plan on going to 4" in the future and will be buying arms. In the meantime would like caster corrected to help with driveability but dont want to do anything drastic because I want nice OE mounts with new arms

 

[landtank]

real easy. The holes drilled on the front of the arms are out beyond the factory holes. Just unbolt the plates and install the arms.

 

[MissahPapaJ]

I’d say just deal with it and save up for a set of delta arms, like I always say if you have a warm mouth you should never have an empty pocket… get on that hustle! It’s easy to live real cheap to afford things that will make other aspects of your life better, and what’s better than a good handling vehicle?

 

[Yoter91]

real easy. The holes drilled on the front of the arms are out beyond the factory holes. Just unbolt the plates and install the arms.

If I place order tonigbt how soon do you usually ship out?

 

[landtank]

If I place order tonigbt how soon do you usually ship out?

In the AM tomorrow. You will typically have then in your hands Monday if you select Priority.

 

[landtank]

I’d say just deal with it and save up for a set of delta arms, like I always say if you have a warm mouth you should never have an empty pocket… get on that hustle! It’s easy to live real cheap to afford things that will make other aspects of your life better, and what’s better than a good handling vehicle?

Easily said when spending other people’s money.

 

[Broski]

How realistic is going back to stock setup after using these ? Bought vehicle with 2.5" lift but plan on going to 4" in the future and will be buying arms. In the meantime would like caster corrected to help with driveability but dont want to do anything drastic because I want nice OE mounts with new arms

I believe @landtank has caster plates for a 4” lift as that’s what I run. At the time I got them I had a 4” lift now I run a 2.5” lift with the same plates.

Are the caster arms nice yes they are, are the $1000. dollars nicer I’m not sure.

In the end Caster is caster and if you can achieve the right numbers, the only time you’ll know the difference is when you look down there.

Trail Taylor also offers castor correction arms.
I believe they’re slightly more affordable. If you decide to go that route, you should check those out as well.

IMO once you get past a 2.5-3” lift you open a bag of worms, lot to do to make it right.
And it well never drive as nice as a lower or stock 80
Again IMO it just not necessary, I run 39” tires on a 2.5” lift and run the hardest trails in the west.
The Truck good goes down the road at 75-80 miles per hour and doesn’t feel sketchy. In fact it feels very planted and you can drive it with 1 finger.

 

[MissahPapaJ]

Easily said when spending other people’s money.

I learned from the government.

 

[MissahPapaJ]

Easily said when spending other people’s money.

Also as a mechanic all I do is try to make decisions with other people’s money, and I do it decently. I have to make calls all the time and try to make the best and most honest decisions on if and how they should spend their hard earned cash. You simply can’t turn that off.