Should I have more Caster?

[DMD08]

I installed a 2.5" lift with springs, torsion bars, diff drop, extended sway bar end links and used aftermarket UCAs with 3 degrees of caster correction. I had it aligned today and these were my results. The tech said that's all he could do "because of the lift, but it would be ok".

I've not spent much time learning about alignment but from reading here I thought UCAs with caster correction should make it easy to get a normal value. And some members seem to have a preference for a couple degrees beyond normal of positive caster made possible by their UCAs.

Do I need to try a different shop or is this par for the course?

Thanks

 

[nukegoat]

Maybe you installed the control arms wrong

 

[DMD08]

Maybe you installed the control arms wrong

I did consider that but I'm not even sure how that would be possible. They're not upside down (impossible) and I didn't swap left for right which would have given extremely neagative caster.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Here are the last numbers that came in with 22" C/L front . I'm at 22.38" C/L and about the same numbers.

I'd try another shop personally.

 

[DMD08]

Here are the last numbers that came in with 22" C/L front . I'm at 22.38" C/L and about the same numbers.

I'd try another shop personally.

View attachment 1963033

Thanks

I've got another shop close by so I think I'll go talk to them.

 

[abuck99]

With stock UCA and 2" lift you should be able to get close to a max of 1.5 degrees caster, with aftermarket UCA's that max number should be closer to 4 degrees +/- of caster. Getting 2.5 to 3 degrees should be very achievable- so insist that they meet your expectation.

 

[nukegoat]

How does it drive?

 

[jLB]

Out of curiosity, which aftermarket UCAs are you running?

We had no problem dialing in 4* caster on my son’s with SPC UCAs at 21.5” in front.

I recently installed Nitro UCAs on mine, and the shop had no issues with 2.5* of caster (I didn’t ask for any more) again at 21.5” in front.

 

[ga12r1]

I’m running Trail Tailor UCAs and getting right at 2* at 22” up front.

 

[DMD08]

How does it drive?

It seems to drive fine. The overall suspension feel is hugely improved over the stock suspension.

My concerns were:

1. If observed results don't match my expectations I want to make sure nothing is wrong.

2. I don't want to cause damage to new tires going on next week. Although it doesn't seem like caster angle should influence tire wear?

3. Members here seem to like the handling benefits of more positive caster angle. If that is attainable for me, I'd like to get it.

I'm going to drop by another shop later today and get their input on if they think they can help me.

 

[ga12r1]

It seems to drive fine. The overall suspension feel is hugely improved over the stock suspension.

My concerns were:

1. If observed results don't match my expectations I want to make sure nothing is wrong.

2. I don't want to cause damage to new tires going on next week. Although it doesn't seem like caster angle should influence tire wear?

3. Members here seem to like the handling benefits of more positive caster angle. If that is attainable for me, I'd like to get it.

I'm going to drop by another shop later today and get their input on if they think they can help me.

I may have missed it but what UCAs are you running?

 

[DMD08]

I may have missed it but what UCAs are you running?

Trail Tailor

 

[ga12r1]

Trail Tailor

Then yes, you should be able to get more caster.

 

[DMD08]

I had another alignment done at another shop. I explained to them my concern with caster. They were able to make a slight improvement on the left side. They're still out of spec though. They said the cams are maxed.

I'm not sure where to go from here other than just drive it.

 

[jLB]

I had another alignment done at another shop. I explained to them my concern with caster. They were able to make a slight improvement on the left side. They're still out of spec though. They said the cams are maxed.

I'm not sure where to go from here other than just drive it.View attachment 1963459

How much lift have you dialed in on the front (What's your current center of hub to fender measurement)?

 

[DMD08]

How much lift have you dialed in on the front (What's your current center of hub to fender measurement)?

21 1/4" driver and 21 3/8" passenger.

I thought about putting the stock arms back in and taking it back just to see what happens. This has me scratching my head.

 

[DMD08]

I do have a fair amount of rake after the lift since I don't have a rear bumper or roof rack yet. Is it possible to have enough rake that it throws your caster measurement off?