Measuring Approach, Breakover, and Departure Angle s (1 Viewer)

[TeCKis300]

Here's measuring approach, breakover, and departure angles. Not completely scientific, but this method should provide angles within a few degrees of real measurements.

A solid profile shot taken from further back (maybe using a 2x zoom) will provide a better perspective for measuring. On Android, I'm using Angle Meter 360 to get angle overlays. Looks like the app is available on iPhones too.

I'm pulling angles across both tires so I have a better horizon reference in case there is any tilt in the picture. Using basic geometry to arrive at angles. For example, this would be 180° - 138° = ~42° approach.

Breakover would be 180° - 141° = ~39°

Departure is 180° - 141° = ~39°

This is an '09 LX570 on a 1.5" sensor lift, AHC high 3" suspension lift, .75" body lift (that lifts bumpers), and 37x12.5R18 tires to get approach, breakover, and departure angles of approximately 42°, 39°, and 39°.

As a reference, here's stock angles discussed in this other thread. I've seen it suggested that a good off-roader will have angles in the 30 range. A strong off-roader should be in the mid-high 30s. For reference, a Bronco Raptor has angles of 47.2°, 30.8°, and 40.5° respectively.

Definitive LC and LX Approach, Breakover, and More Angles

Definitive guide to LC and LX approach, breakover, and other angles. There's some variation between model years. Here's my attempt to document these details as a reference. Please correct me if you find a source that helps clarifies any of these numbers.

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[DallasTide]

Very impressive. I'm just a little bit jealous. *Glares at KDSS*

 

[turbo8]

I'll join in, I think I followed your method.

 

[TeCKis300]

I'll join in, I think I followed your method.

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Looks to work out to be 45, 37, and 35. Nice.

Is that a GX550 I spy.

 

[skrypj]

Since you’re measuring from the contact point of the tire, I wonder if airing down hurts or helps. The contact patch would lengthen but you also lose sidewall height at the same time

 

[skrypj]

Looks to work out to be 45, 37, and 35. Nice.

Is that a GX550 I spy.

And king remote resi’s

Edit: nvm I got the two trucks mixed up. I though you had given up on AHC!

 

[turbo8]

Looks to work out to be 45, 37, and 35. Nice.

Is that a GX550 I spy.

 

[turbo8]

No comparison to the 200, other than newer tech.

 

[TeCKis300]

Since you’re measuring from the contact point of the tire, I wonder if airing down hurts or helps. The contact patch would lengthen but you also lose sidewall height at the same time

Almost certainly hurts as the loss in height is more impactful than the minor elongation. The other factor is that aired down tires will deform as it hits ledges further compromising clearance. Then again, can't beat the traction and how it ramps onto sharp transitions.

Maybe worth some picture tests?

 

[Heckraiser]

@TeCKis300 cutting a nice profile. 37's really don't look that big on a nicely set up 200