Caster Question

[LanceL]

So I just put King's 2.5's and SPC UCA's on my 200, and the alignment shop adjusted the caster to 2.6 deg on the left, and 3.1deg on the right, claiming that this half degree variance was to account for the crown in the road and make the truck track better. Is that hand-wavey BS? They're an offoad shop that deals primarily with lifted trucks, jeeps, etc, so I would think they know their stuff, but that may be wishful thinking. I noticed the truck feels a bit "darty" on the highway now. Steering is much more sensitive than before, and it doesn't seem to self center as well.

 

[TLC2013]

I typically run between + 0.3-0.5 degrees more on the passeNger side. This is to account for road crown. What are your toe and camber numbers ? I prefer a bit more caster of around 3 on the driver and 3.4 on the passenger with my lifted LC.

 

[LanceL]

Here’s the sheet I got from the shop

 

[linuxgod]

The difference between the left and right is expected and generally correct.

More caster will make the steering feel heavier but the vehicle will track straighter. Less caster makes the steering feel lighter, but you'll be inclined to get more wandering down the highway.

I normally try to run about 0.5 degrees more caster on both sides to help reduce wandering. I've run as high as 4 degrees on the right side, though I don't think most folks really need that much

 

[AnyMal]

I run 4 or more, but this is my lifted AHC “science”. And LX takes more than LC.

Since i wont be at normal height on highway lowering, i target higher caster to compensate for the lack of compression loss.

I also like a tighter wheel and steering feel. I guess im just used to sporty stuff…

 

[linuxgod]

I run 4 or more, but this is my lifted AHC “science”. And LX takes more than LC.

Since i wont be at normal height on highway lowering, i target higher caster to compensate for the lack of compression loss.

I also like a tighter wheel and steering feel. I guess im just used to sporty stuff…

I prefer when mine is straight and stiff too.

(steering and alignment... what were *you* thinking?!?!)

 

[AnyMal]

I prefer when mine is straight and stiff too.

(steering and alignment... what were *you* thinking?!?!)

Thats what i really need for those long and hard stretches. No one likes it loose.

 

[LanceL]

Thanks for all this info, perhaps I'll go back and ask for an additional half degree of caster. I much prefer heavier steering, the wandering makes me anxious. My old landrover gave me enough highway wayward wandering anxiety for a lifetime!

 

[AnyMal]

Thanks for all this info, perhaps I'll go back and ask for an additional half degree of caster. I much prefer heavier steering, the wandering makes me anxious. My old landrover gave me enough highway wayward wandering anxiety for a lifetime!

When i bought my like new LX, the handling was so sloppy at highway speed I almost returned it within the week (there were other issues i fought dealer about). There was just no way people can live with that, it was honestly scary being on I-10, and ive driven lots of sketchy roads and countries and was a mad man behind the wheel in my “youth”.