UCA's and Alignment

Per the ToMoCo tech I talked with last weekend, front end lowers at speed, which is why ToMoCo's specs call for slight positive tow and camber. He also said some of the alignment change is due to asphalt resistance at speed that is not present when the truck is stationary, pushing the tires slightly out.

I still think the best method is to follow tire wear and handling over a few months with your alignment guy and dial in whats best on a truck-by-truck basis. Nothing wrong with the 0/0/2.x numbers as a starting point.

 

Not neccesarily, which is why I broached the subject on here. TW's input is always appreciated.

I really do wish Toyota would release some information on how the suspension in these trucks deforms at speed though. It'd help with the alignment items.

 

I'm at 2.9 and 3.4 caster respectively with camber and toe pretty much zeroed. Do you think I should try to get the caster lowered?

I wouldn't mind a little bit more firm steering that what I have now. So does that mean that I should keep my caster or go higher?

 

Well if you go too high you may start to experience "Bump steer" But I know some sports cars that run 6* of Caster. (But our trucks aren't sports cars)

 

Thanks Toku! So you think my numbers are good?

 

Ah? O.K. I used the term "Bump steer" to refer to the wheels tendacy to kick when hitting a bump. This may increase with higher caster. When offroading this will have an effect when climbing obsticles.

"Bump Steer" as Chris is referring to? (Which I guess is the more accepted term use) is the suspensions tendancy to change "TOE" as the vehicle ride height changes.

Sorry if I confused anyone.

 

I have a question that I haven't seen answered. At what lift height are.stock ucas still feasible?

 

You can use the stock UCA's on a 3" lift. You just can't get the alignment numbers very good.

The better the numbers; the better your truck will drive.

 

Well that's not an feasible in my book. How about this, is there a lift height in which stock ucas allow proper alignment? Just wondering.

 

Well the term "proper" I can't really say. Toyota has a "spec range" (like an A-D grade scale) Even if you can set your alignment in spec, it might be in the "D" area just barely passing.
I prefer the B+ or better.

So it really depends on your standards? Some people don't mind there truck in the "D" range of handling.

Some people like myself, believe that if you're going to do something? Do it right!

1-2" lift in the front and your alignment should be O.K. (That's considered a leveling kit) Going over 2" then I would recommend you consider UCA's.

But again it's up to you! Good Luck!

 

With those tires is your caster set at like 10?

 

I'm like you, I don't want to half ass it. Thanks for the info

 

Hey, I just bought an 09 TRD and started to notice this "wandering" after a few days of driving... searched the internet and found this forum. The truck has 5100's installed all around with the front's set to 2.5" from what I can tell. Tires are 265/70R17's.

I have the alignment record from the previous owner and it shows:
Camber: 0.9/1.1
Caster: 1.6/1.3
Toe: 0.04/0.02
SAI: 10.8/10.9
Included Angle: 11.7/12.0

So although the caster and camber are within the acceptable range, they are way out based on this thread and thus explain the poor ride.

My main question is will I be able to get the truck aligned to 2.1 caster and 0 camber based on my setup with the 5100's set at 2.5"? Or will I have to get UCA's?

Thanks