Ideal alignment specs for stock GX470? (1 Viewer)

[langsen]

My 2004 GX has a terrible ride, and since I've already replaced most of the suspension (rear shocks and air springs; front shocks and mounts; front sway bar links; lower control arm bushings) and had no improvement, I am thinking maybe it's the alignment that's the problem? Would really like to get it to ride at least as nice as my old 60. What are the ideal alignment specs for factory height (maybe plus .5" at the rear)?

Current alignment is within factory spec except for SAI, which is at 3.4 instead of 12.5. Not sure how to adjust this, or whether it is an indicator of other problems.

 

[GXO]

Give all your numbers

 

[langsen]

I'll see if I can get a pic of the alignment sheet to appear:

 

[GXO]

SAI should always be within spec as it is a hard angle (built into the steering box/shafts, etc). If this is out of spec it means you have something that is bent. Given you have in spec caster and camber, but your included angle is below spec (along with SAI) I would say you definitely have something out of whack. A bent control arm, strut, or spindle. If you have your caster adjusted "all the way" it looks like the front left may be the culprit as you should be able to get more than 3.1 degrees.

 

[langsen]

Doesn't sound good, but thanks for the info. I'm hoping nothing is bent. I noticed one of the lower ball joints has a torn boot. Would worn ball joints or worn UCA bushings be enough to cause the SAI to be off that far? Does the Factory Collision Repair Manual have tram measurements for the ball joints? I don't have a copy but could find one if needed. Otherwise I guess I will need to take it to a collision shop to figure out what's going on.

 

[GXO]

The LBJ could be some of the issue, but you would see it in camber if it was really bad.

 

[langsen]

I had it at the dealer for the airbag recall, so had them do an alignment. They said they got everything in spec. Their alignment sheet doesn't show any "before" numbers and doesn't show SAI. Here is where it's at now:

 

[co4wheel]

This is why I like the lifetime alignment. Get the alignment. Drive a week. Take it back. Look at the first alignment final specs in comparison to the second alignment starting point. Helps you determine if one side is having issues you will see a big difference where you should see very little.

 

[langsen]

Where do you get the lifetime alignment?

 

[co4wheel]

Firestone. It also will go on sale. About 175ish

 

[Spacegranger3]

Taking mine in tomorrow after wheeling it last weekend. They aren't the best IMO. We took my wife's Sequoia in 4 times before finally taking it to Toyota. I suppose as a caveat I should say that she has a 2008 model with 4 wheel independent suspension, so the alignment is more involved then ours.

 

[NMBruce]

To me it doesn't matter if it's lifetime or not, what matters is if the tech knows what he doing to get it right. I had alignments that show in spec, but the car handles like s***. I have a good friend in the Houston area that is a artist with alignments, so I got spoiled.

 

[Beachskills]

To me it doesn't matter if it's lifetime or not, what matters is if the tech knows what he doing to get it right. I had alignments that show in spec, but the car handles like s***. I have a good friend in the Houston area that is a artist with alignments, so I got spoiled.

I’m in Houston and need help after just adding a lifted suspension and bigger wheels and tires! Can you refer your Alignment Artist?

 

[GXO]

0 toe 0 camber as much -caster as you can