Alignment gurus needed

So here is my post alignment numbers. I specified the ideal numbers I wanted (0,0,2.4). The tech stated this was as close as he could get it (said toe would be way off at the 2.4 caster setting). Now when I did my lift, I got 3" out of it (no top plate spacers so I'm assuming this should settle to 2.5", which was my goal) and assuming once it settles, I can bring it back (got lifetime alignment from Firestone) and get closer to the ideal numbers with my stock ucas. Thoughts?

 

You might want to read the Tundra Solutions forum and specifically posts by screen name DJ starting about 2005 or 2006 and forward. He owned an early Tundra (much like the Taco), and is a former Engineer for Hunter Engineering with his specialty being alignments and Hunter alignment equipment, and designed many of its functions. He has been asked repeatedly over the years about alignment specs for lifted Tundras and Tacoma trucks. And his response has always been that all bets are off with lifted trucks. But for stock vehicles he recommends that caster be set as close as possible to the upper range of the Toyota specs to maximize road stability (minimum road wander), and camber and toe set to the ideal (middle) of their specs, even on both sides.

It would appear that with that low of caster numbers you may possibility have a stability problem. Obviously the best bet here is wait for the guys with lifted trucks to chime in and share what has worked best for them. I'm interested too.

 

who reall cares what others numbers are.. bottom line is how does it drive? any abnormal tire wear or resistance turning? if no drink a beer

 

I'm no guru, but...Aftermarket UCA's



CC

 

It drives really well. No wandering or instability at all. Too soon to comment on tire wear (this was my main reason for posting the specs, to make sure tire wear won't be a problem).

 

Everything I've read says that at 2.5" of lift, no aftermarket ucas are required. Figuring after settling I'll be able to get better numbers and just wanted to see if any others have had the same experience.

 

I personally think that anything above 2" requires UCA's to get a good quality alignment.

 

Then keep us informed, as to how you make out.
I'm neither lifted yet, not an expert.
Everything I've read says that at 2.5" (and above) of lift, aftermarket ucas are required.
Hope it works out for you



CC

 

From what I have seen on here and experienced myself, that alignment looks pretty typical for a lifted truck on stock UCA's. Your camber isn't so bad that you will have terrible tire wear if you rotate your wheels on occasion. Your caster is low for a lifted truck, but if you are ok with how the truck tracks, that is what matters. My rig felt like it was all over the road before I added more adjustable UCA's and upped the caster. Now I can steer it with my finger

 

Looks good to me. Mine has a lot more caster, but I have heimed uppers and a much larger adjustment range. I like a lot of caster for spirited driving, especially offroad as it eats up big hits better raked out like a dirtbike, but it comes at the cost of increased steering effort.

 

I highly recommend you read through this thread:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/su...earance-driving-report-light-racing-ucas.html

 

I've read it several times. Situation is a bit different as his is a regular cab running the same springs. My lift should be .5" less after it settles. I will be getting aftermarket ucas eventually once my leaf pack wears out and I switch to Dakars (I also got the extended stud mounts on the coilovers so that I could then add the top plate spacers for a full 3" inch lift).

 

ok. I was under the impression you were trying to understand your alignment settings. The aforementioned thread is quite good for going through that.
ltr

 

The toe would be off if he gave you the caster you wanted? Huh? You set the caster/ camber before the toe and it is far more adjustable than you need! Get an alignment tech that knows what he is doing imho. Yes consider uca's because you are getting to the limit of what stockers can provide.

 

Ah, gotcha....I appreciate it. While after reading that, I definitely understand the numbers better, I am still a bit "slow" on putting it all together lol. Was mainly interested on if others did an alignment right after installing a lift and were able to "improve" those numbers after they settled (using stock ucas, of course).

I may have misheard him and don't know much about alignments...he probably said something that makes sense and I screwed up the words.

 

Don't get me wrong, your numbers look ok, but for a lifted truck, your caster does need to be higher imo, but with stock uca's you may be at the end of your adjustment.

 

Appreciate the feedback. Yeah, I think if I can't get them "right" with the next alignment in a few weeks, I'll switch them out.