While tweaking my alignment for more caster, also pulled some data on how alignment changes through the suspension stroke. With the LXs ability to change ride height and the advent of homebrew alignment tools (see Gyraline), I was able to get some measurements at different ride heights. Enough data to see trends of how suspension stroke/lift can affect alignments.
For reference, I'm AHC sensor lifted about 1.75" front and 1.25" rear.
AHC HIGH lifts 50mm / 2" front and 60mm / 2.3" rear
AHC LOW drops 60mm / 2.3" front and 40mm / 1.6" rear
Notes:
- Toe steer can be pretty substantial as the suspension travels. What this doesn't show is the rear axle thrust angle/toe steer can be a big contributor
- Caster gets reduce as the suspension is lifted. This is why those with large lifts need UCAs to correct caster.
- With a 1.75" lift, the eccentrics are maxed to balance caster and camber. I'm on 37s so don't need as much caster (I was able to get 3.3L and 3.2R) while balancing camber as I prefer some bit more negative camber for on tarmac traction before the sidewalls roll over. Normal rigs can probably get caster to about 4 degrees with zero camber.
- I also like more camber as in AHC high, camber will go more positive "bow-legged"
For reference, I'm AHC sensor lifted about 1.75" front and 1.25" rear.
AHC HIGH lifts 50mm / 2" front and 60mm / 2.3" rear
AHC LOW drops 60mm / 2.3" front and 40mm / 1.6" rear
| Height | Combined | Left | Right | ||
| AHC Low | Front Toe | -0.5 (toe out) | Camber | -1.6 | -1.5 |
| (lowers 60mm F and 40mm R) | Rear Toe | -0.2 (toe out) | Caster | 4.2 | 3.4 |
| Normal Ride Height | Front Toe | -0.1 (toe out) | Camber | -0.4 | -0.4 |
| Rear Toe | -0.2 (toe out) | Caster | 2.7 | 2.5 | |
| AHC High | Front Toe | 1.3 (toe in) | Camber | .5 | .5 |
| (raises 50mm F and 60mm R) | Rear Toe | -0.2 (toe out) | Caster | 1.7 | 1.5 |
Notes:
- Toe steer can be pretty substantial as the suspension travels. What this doesn't show is the rear axle thrust angle/toe steer can be a big contributor
- Caster gets reduce as the suspension is lifted. This is why those with large lifts need UCAs to correct caster.
- With a 1.75" lift, the eccentrics are maxed to balance caster and camber. I'm on 37s so don't need as much caster (I was able to get 3.3L and 3.2R) while balancing camber as I prefer some bit more negative camber for on tarmac traction before the sidewalls roll over. Normal rigs can probably get caster to about 4 degrees with zero camber.
- I also like more camber as in AHC high, camber will go more positive "bow-legged"