Alignment Values

Just checking in with you gurus on here...

I know the typical suggested values are 0/0/2.4-3.1

Being that my truck is not my DD and it's future role is primarily as an offroad toy, recently had my alignment done up at 0/0/2.0 for easier steering at low speeds. (Actually got 2.2 on the front right - close enough).

I know it'll require a little more fettling when at freeway speeds to keep it from wandering, and be a little slower to return to center, but are there any other ill effects of a low caster? The tech got pissy with me because it was outside the "best" spec offered by his equipment and didn't think my "want to try this for better offroad handling" was a good enough explanation.

When I got the printout, his software was set for stock tire size (265/70/16) which is not what I have on (265/70/17). Might've contributed to his protestations?

 

For "easier steering at low speeds" do you mean you want to compensate for aired-down tires? You might want to look into adding power or leverage to you steering.

IMO alignment is only important on the street for tire wear and handling characteristics; who cares if it's straight or not offroad... as long as it doesn't pull super hard to one side.

 

That and just to make those tight turns a bit less hairy.

Yeah, and 0/0/2 is still within Toyota's spec'd range...it's just not 100% dead on what the techs DPS-600 was recommending...I think he was a bit cranky I was telling him his job, so to speak.