How long to drive with misaligned wheels.

2011 tacoma 2wd. I'll be installing 5100s all the way around and ICON Progressive 3 leaf pack.

I will also be buying new wheels and tires.

How long can I drive between when I lift the truck and when I install the new tires/rims and get it aligned. I'll be doing them on separate days. Might be about a week apart though...

 

SO many variables here. Time doesn't really matter. Depends on what setting you put the 5100's and how many miles you're driving.

Your tires are the only thing you have to worry about. If you're driving around on the stockers until you get aligned, and you don't care about those tires, then it doesn't really matter how much you drive on them like that.

 

As long as the truck handles safely, this is mainly about chewing up your tires.

 

Oh yes you do if you change sizes. And it's a bitch to get it right too, since factory settings are no longer applicable.

 

I havent gotten one, now my tires are going bald!

 

depends on how long you want the tires to last

 

I say your good.

 

Possibly. If you move to another tire size that the manufacturer offers as a factory option, then the mfg specs will work out for you.

The problem is when you go larger or smaller, and mainly has to do with suspension deformation at speed, and deformation of the tire when turning. A larger tire (and more aggressive tread) tends to toe out more and camber up less when driving at freeway speeds. Therefore, mfg specs may result in abnormal wear.

Essentially, the only way to deal with this is to dial it in over about 6 months. You need an alignment guy that knows his shit, or doesn't mind taking orders from you. It also requires sacrificing a little tire tread (very little). Basically, you go to 0/0/whatever caster feels right for you, put about 500 to 1000 miles on the truck, then read the tread. Based on wear, adjust your alignment. Repeat until you're getting even wear and the vehicle drives well. Then save those alignment numbers for as long as you run that setup on the vehicle.

My truck seems to have found the sweet spot at .02 toe, .4 camber, and caster in the high 2s...say 2.8 to 3. But that's my setup. Different spring rates, tire widths, and driving demands will alter things. And again, this only applicable when drifting outside manufacturer offered tire sizes.