80-Series won’t track straight (9 Viewers)

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Would the +1 SAI angle make much difference? I imagine the "stanced" BMWs running around are way more than that. Do they wander all over the road?
 
I've done a lot of alignments with the angle iron and tape measure method for toe, But I'm always curious what the caster is and what the toe is in degrees. A friend recommended this...
I'm also always curious where the rear wheels are pointing on these old rigs after much abuse, so having a four-wheel alignment would be interesting, just a data point to consider and maybe try to rectify if out.

Maybe worth a try

 
They have the vehicle as a 1990 4Runner and the SAI specs are for the 4Runner, not an 80 sieres.

80 Series SAI should be 13° ±0.75°

The numbers shown are close enough to spec.

Still not enough toe-in is what I would guess.

Take it back and have them put more toe in.
 
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If it hasn't been mentioned/thought of yet, too much scrub radius will cause goofy stuff to happen similar to what's being described here. How close to 0mm offset are the wheels, or are they factory wheels?
 
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Like stated previously those are not the specs for a LC80. I as I recall Caster range is 2 to 4 degrees. The other problem is that caster is not an adjustment that is made during an alignment. Correction bushings, plates, arms and cut and turn of the bell would be required. The variance between before and after indicates the tech is not taking consistent readings.
 
Like stated previously those are not the specs for a LC80. I as I recall Caster range is 2 to 4 degrees. The other problem is that caster is not an adjustment that is made during an alignment. Correction bushings, plates, arms and cut and turn of the bell would be required. The variance between before and after indicates the tech is not taking consistent readings.
Yes, I mentioned it in my post as well. Tech had it as a 4Runner.

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Tech used magic to change caster. 🪄
 
I've done a lot of alignments with the angle iron and tape measure method for toe, But I'm always curious what the caster is and what the toe is in degrees. A friend recommended this...
I'm also always curious where the rear wheels are pointing on these old rigs after much abuse, so having a four-wheel alignment would be interesting, just a data point to consider and maybe try to rectify if out.

Maybe worth a try

four wheel alignment isn't possible for the 80 since the rear is not alignable.

I run 315s on factory rims and I set the toe (using a tape measure) at nearly zero or a hair toe in. i'm also part time so the front wheels aren't pulling at all. Hwy psi is typically 40psi ish.

The rear LCA bushings can adversely affect hwy manners if they're really old.

I'd rule the tires out by swapping front to rear or simply with another set from another 80. it's a lot of work if you don't have air tools but the tires need to be eliminated as a potential cause.

Panhard rod geometry is good but the bushings may be original so that'd have a negative contribution.

One should be able to drive w/o a steering damper if everything up front is tip top shape. i've heard this over and over again in this forum but i've never tried this!

I'd also check the torque on the knuckle nuts, just to rule that out.
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Here’s what I’ve tried so far:
  • Rebuilt the steering box and backed off the top adjuster screw
  • Installed new tie-rod ends and drag-link ends
  • Fitted a fresh heavy-duty steering damper
  • Checked wheel bearings - no play
  • Verified panhard bar and track-bar geometry
  • Measured caster at 1.8° - too low for 37” tires and Dobinson lift
  • Installed Delta 3” long control arms (3L) as per their website recommendation
It still wanders and bumps push the steering off course. Any ideas on what else to check or how to fix this?
 
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"four wheel alignment isn't possible for the 80 since the rear is not alignable."

I know that, but...
80 can have adjustable trailing arms that can be tweaked,

Leaf spring cruisers can get subtle mods to move the perch on the spring to get the rear in alignment.

Either can benefit from knowing if the frame and axles are straight.

Yes, it is splitting hairs, but if chasing ill handling and all other roads on the front end are exhausted, It is worth looking at the four-wheel picture.
 
you make good points.
 
Steering Damper good?
 
A bad damper won't make it wander..

I've run 3 different cruisers without dampers long term.
If all else is good, it's not going to wander because of a damper.
Agreed 100%
 

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