Alignment Settings

[turbocruiser]

A stupid luck story...

I have one of those lifetime laser alignment things that allows me alignments whenever I need them for as long as I own the truck (not just for how long I own the tires that that special sale came with mind you, but for as long as I own the truck!). And to make matters better, by god if i found a particular technician who will specifically set my alignment settings to whatever I want as long as it is in the allowable range per the FSM. Soooo, I have asked about this before in bump to another thread and alotta people pointed to the AUS landcruiser forum (forgot the name now), and, recently there was another cool thread about caster related to the caster correction bearings, but, unless I've missed something major, I don't think we've covered this topic completely. So all alignment experts please explain what, given the limited range of adjustments that these rigs have anyway, are the perfect alignment settings. Emphasis on all out grip as opposed to long tire life, remember, must still be w/in spec. Thanks.

 

[-Spike-]

Toe-in is about the only thing the alignment shop can adjust, and I doubt you would want to stray from the norm on that. Camber is not adjustable- if it's out of spec, something is worn, like your trunion bearings. Caster is only adjustable via caster correction bushings, by removal of the front arms, pressing out the bushings, and pressing them back in at a different orientation- not something your average alignment shop is going to be able, nor want to do. If you have it checked and your caster is out of spec (or not where you want it, according to whatever opinions you get here) you could do the work yourself with the help of a shop with a press, and have the results verified through your alignment shop.

Edit: I don't know if an alignment shop will be willing or able to adjust caster correction bushings or not, so check with them.

To me, within Toyota spec is fine, I don't think you can drastically improve road manners, traction, or any other driving aspect within the specified range. Going out of the range might give you desireable results on one or more aspects of driveability, but to the detriment of others and therefore would most likely not help overall.

-Spike