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UCA's and Alignment

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by toku58, Jun 9, 2009.

  1. Jun 9, 2009 at 11:27 PM
    #1
    toku58

    toku58 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    21' TRD OffRoad 2" 887 OME on Bilstein 5100's. 285/70R17 General Grabbers G3 17x8.5" Icon TRD wheels (Gun metal gray) 4.75" BS
    Disclaimer!!

    Please understand that a set of UCA's are "NOT" required!!
    But if you want to lift your truck correctly? then please read.


    OR? If your truck feels "Squirrelly", feels like it "Floats" at high speed, and your steering feels a bit loose after a 3" lift??
    Then this is for you!!



    Sometime I feel like a broken record. So I figured I'd just make a post that people who search can find and read:

    A lot of people seem to think that lifting a truck only involves buying spacers, or coils?

    But what they don't seem to realize is that when you change the ride height of your truck? You put your suspension in a position it was never meant to be in for extended periods of time.

    Because YES! the suspension is designed to articulate into this position! But it is not meant the be driven for extended period of time at these new angles.

    It's like a women walking around all day on the tip of her toes. (To be 3 inches taller) Yes! Her foot is designed to articulate into this position. But overtime she will have some serious problems. Because her feet wern't designed to walk that way, for extended periods of time!

    But do it correctly? And give her a comfortable pair of pumps to wear? Now she is 3" taller and the risk of injury or complications is now greatly reduced!

    Remember this phrase? Good enough? Is NEVER good!!

    Do it right the first time and you will save yourself a lot of headaches in the future!!
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If you plan on installing a 3" lift then be aware to do it correctly you need a good set of UCA's in order to have your alignment set at the "ideal" settings.


    Important UPDATE 1/6/21:
    I highly recommend "SPC" UCA's only because of my personal experience. Other brands have interesting design misconceptions.
    Most of the other UCA's out there only took into account the addition of "Caster". By adding Caster they created additional unnecessary issues that need to be corrected. e.g. CMC or pinch weld cutting. The main concern when lifting should have been the loss of "Camber" Not "Caster".

    This is an example of what to look for when having your alignment done:
    untitled_ab891ad17d5d3360509aba2142dbd0c39c1766a6.jpg

    This is from my truck. And as you can see I personally selected the optimum settings for my driving.

    Camber you would like to have it set at, or near 0*
    Caster you would ideally want it set at 2.4* (Optimum) Too low and your truck will wander. To High and you will have "Bump steer.

    To understand Alignment better here is a link:
    http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=4

    http://www.familycar.com/Alignment.htm

    Hopefully this will help??


    Some people may tell you that their truck drives good with a 3" lift and the stock UCA's. And that their alignment #'s are in factory spec.

    But! They don't actually know how good their trucks can drive.
    And just being in factory specs isn't always good.

    For example:
    If your alignment #'s are at the minimum, or the maximum? Then your truck is just barely drivable by the factory standards.
    This would be in factory specs:
    [​IMG]

    This would be IDEAL!

    [​IMG]


    The best handling you will have is to set the truck at the "ideal" settings.

    Now this "ideal" will change! Depending on the tire size, and your driving habits.

    Ideal Camber for the average driver is 0*.
    If you like to corner, and take turns fast? Then you would like your Camber a bit more negative. /---\

    Ideal Caster: (Now this will change depending on tire size)

    -Stock tires "ideal" would be 2.1*Positive Caster

    -33" tires "ideal" would be 2.4* Positive Caster

    -35" tires "ideal" would be 3.0* Positive Caster

    ****UCA INSTALL DIY!****
    http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=315831

    UPDATE!: Recent trials have revealed that most aftermarket UCA providers are approaching this issue incorrectly.
    Manufactures are adding Caster to correct the alignment issue after a lift is installed. This is NOT the ideal way to address the true issue.

    To properly correct your issue after a lift is installed you need to fix the Camber issue. NOT the Caster.
    Best option in UCA's out there as of 2021 for this issue is SPC. (I'm in no way associated with SPC)
    Set them at setting (f) or (g) depending if you have a 2" lift or 3" lift. and use their sliding ball joint to correct your camber. This moves your tires away from the Cab mounts and all for clearance of 33" tires with out major cutting!
     
    Last edited: Jan 6, 2022
  2. Jun 10, 2009 at 4:47 PM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Good post!
    FWIW, The Caster is not dependant on tire size. The more positive caster you have, the more the wheel is moved back in the fenderwell. This can be an issue with larger tires.
     
  3. Jun 10, 2009 at 6:51 PM
    #3
    toku58

    toku58 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Well actually, it is the other way around. Because you run larger tires, you will need a bit more caster to keep the tires from over powering the steering. So with larger tires if you have a higher caster your truck will drive better.

    As for moving the tire towards the back of the fender? Hopefully you will have enough lift to clear the tires you choose.

    And even in the best case scenario? It is a good idea to have your cab mounts trimmed back. Because 285's fully stuffed will make contact.:thumbsup:
     
    raco.the.taco likes this.
  4. Jul 28, 2009 at 4:47 PM
    #4
    spadresurfer91

    spadresurfer91 Well-Known Member

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    so out of curiosity...when you say "high speed" how high are you talking...like average highway speeds?? cuz i want the 3 in toytec lift but can only afford it if i dont have to buy UCA's
     
  5. Jul 28, 2009 at 5:04 PM
    #5
    toku58

    toku58 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    21' TRD OffRoad 2" 887 OME on Bilstein 5100's. 285/70R17 General Grabbers G3 17x8.5" Icon TRD wheels (Gun metal gray) 4.75" BS
    well depending on the condition of the road. Can be from 60 mph.
    It's not really bad, just annoying.
     
    rosswood likes this.
  6. Jul 28, 2009 at 7:19 PM
    #6
    bermise

    bermise Well-Known Member

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    My settings are a bit off:

    Caster = 4.1 on both sides
    Camber = left is -1.2 and right is -1.4
     
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  7. Jul 28, 2009 at 8:14 PM
    #7
    jandrews

    jandrews Hootin' and Hollerin'

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    NOTE: PLEASE PM ANY REPLIES TO THIS POST. THANK YOU!

    This is good information. Thank you for the write up.

    To fuel the fire...let's talk lifts in detail! I am essentially a lift n00b, so bear with me and try not to cringe...

    I've been doing research for a while now on what to do when I lift my truck. This is still some time away, but it's going to take a while for me to get my facts straight and decide on exactly what I want to do. I want to "do it right the first time" as you so endorse. I am planning on a three inch lift. Here is my plan so far:

    - New Front Shocks/Coils
    - New Rear Shocks/Toytec TSB AAL (I have had the TSB done)
    - TC UCAs
    - Diff drop (perhaps half the height of the lift? feedback welcome)
    - TRD FJ Wheels with 33s
    - Regear to 4.10s to get the power back with the larger tires.

    I pretty much plan for all of this to go down at once.

    Questions I have at this time:

    1) What would be optimal for the diff drop? Same height as the lift or less (like a .5" drop for every 1" of lift ratio)? I realize true ground clearance increases only come from larger tires, but I figure a high diff is one less thing to scrape on a protruding rock or some such. What's the best drop height balance between maximizing undercarriage clearance and putting as little extra strain as possible on the CV joints?

    2) What kind of wheel spacers am I going to need to keep 285s from rubbing during normal driving? I can deal with a little rub when stuffed...but I'd prefer to avoid it at full lock if possible.

    3) I have noticed some people here (the more "hardcore") are swapping out steering links along with suspension mods. What are the risks, if any, to the steering links/arms from a suspension lift?

    4) I'm going back and forth between Icon and OME for coils and shocks. The Icons seem nice, but damn they're expensive. Can someone please explain to me why Icon coilovers are about 5x the price of OME parts? Is the quality/performance that much better? I'm willing to pay the extra dough if it is indeed that much better, but I have a hard time believing that...OME seems very well regarded...

    Thanks in advance.
     
  8. Jul 28, 2009 at 8:20 PM
    #8
    jandrews

    jandrews Hootin' and Hollerin'

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    Snipped double post.
     
  9. Jul 28, 2009 at 8:21 PM
    #9
    toku58

    toku58 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    21' TRD OffRoad 2" 887 OME on Bilstein 5100's. 285/70R17 General Grabbers G3 17x8.5" Icon TRD wheels (Gun metal gray) 4.75" BS
    You do know there is a completely different thread dedicated to lifts?:cool:
     
  10. Jul 28, 2009 at 8:22 PM
    #10
    jandrews

    jandrews Hootin' and Hollerin'

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    Yeah but why not add some length to this sucker? Get postin! :D
     
  11. Jul 28, 2009 at 8:24 PM
    #11
    toku58

    toku58 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    21' TRD OffRoad 2" 887 OME on Bilstein 5100's. 285/70R17 General Grabbers G3 17x8.5" Icon TRD wheels (Gun metal gray) 4.75" BS
    I know the answers to your questions. But this is not the place!
     
    ToughORTaco likes this.
  12. Jul 28, 2009 at 8:25 PM
    #12
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    #1. Im not convinced a Diff drop has any benafit. A 1" drop is only dropping the axels 1/2" (as only the front of the diff is dropped), and that 1/2" drop, spread out over the length of the axel equals a very small change in the angle.

    #2. If your gonna run the TC UCA's, I dont think spacer will be needed.

    #3. No idea

    #4. Most CO's are machined from aluminum, while other shocks are pressed from steel. Aluminum is more expensive. Between the OME and the Icon, it all depends on what your looking for. The Icons come with a 650# spring rate, while the OME's are either 590# (884/885) or 650# rate (886). Personally, I have found the Icons a little too stiff, and valved firm for the driving I do in my Tacoma (Mostly desert roads, and street). I chose the OME for the 590# spring rate, big hit capability, and good street maners.
     
  13. Jul 28, 2009 at 8:28 PM
    #13
    jandrews

    jandrews Hootin' and Hollerin'

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    Thanks Chris. I'm tryin' to move this into PMs to keep from crowding the thread per Toku's request.
     
  14. Jul 28, 2009 at 8:30 PM
    #14
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Better off starting a new thread to avoid poluting this one. ;)




    Toku, Hope you dont mind me giving an answer. :eek:
     
  15. Jul 28, 2009 at 9:25 PM
    #15
    toku58

    toku58 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    No problem. Just didn't want it to get off topic.:D
     
  16. Jul 29, 2009 at 8:44 AM
    #16
    RedruM29

    RedruM29 Blinking Car Mod...

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  17. Aug 4, 2009 at 11:13 AM
    #17
    09tacomg

    09tacomg Active Member

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    I just had a set of toyo mt 265 70 17 tires installed. I have noticed that
    the tires in the front are slightly toed in on the bottom. Looks like this \ / but not that bad. I had it checked for alignment at 2 different shops and they both say the alignment is ok. I am getting a slight pull to the right as well.
    Camber Left 0.7 Right 0.6
    caster 3.0 2.9
    toe 0.04 0.03
    sai 11.6 11.5
    included angle 12.3 12.1

    cross camber 0.1
    cross caster 0.1
    cross sai 0.1
    totoal toe 0.07

    Do this look good to you?
     
  18. Sep 6, 2009 at 7:39 AM
    #18
    Racer78

    Racer78 Well-Known Member

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    2005 D/C 4X4 Sport
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    (5100 Set @ 1.75)

    Left and Right are set the same..
    1 1/4 Caster
    +3/8 Camber

    Just had both my CV Axles and Diff replaced last week. Do these setting look ok?
     
  19. Sep 6, 2009 at 10:48 AM
    #19
    toku58

    toku58 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    21' TRD OffRoad 2" 887 OME on Bilstein 5100's. 285/70R17 General Grabbers G3 17x8.5" Icon TRD wheels (Gun metal gray) 4.75" BS
    No Caster and Camber are measured in degrees not inches.
    Did they do your alignment manually? (Not on a machine)
     
  20. Sep 6, 2009 at 12:03 PM
    #20
    Racer78

    Racer78 Well-Known Member

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    Sad to say but Im not sure... The guy that did it, does the alignment stuff for National 4X4 around were I live. I figured that he was recomended by them so I was in good hands and thought he's done a ton of set up's? Dont get me wrong, seemed like a pretty good guy, Im just not sure how many Tacomas they do.. What should I look for in a shop that will understand the offsets required for the added lift? Will their equipment pick up the new settings? Can they use the stock numbers still, Im guessing not...?

    I have minimal knowledge about this stuff..

    Thanks
     

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