New Control Arms for 2" Lift and 33s"

Hey all, hope all is well.

Back in June, I put some toyo at3 33s" (255/80/17) tires on some new trd 4 runner wheels. I coupled that with some ome nitrochargers, 887 coils, and an icon AAL kit.

It crossed my mind again though, do I really need new higher caster control arms, for my 2" lift coupled with 33s"? I mean the tires give some lift too but I'm not entirely sure if they negate the actual suspension lift or not because aren't the taller tires lifting up the suspension to be in a more relaxed position? Not quite sure.

The alignment shop I had didn't say anything from what I remember, so I suppose the caster alignment was good?

However, I feel like my truck is wandering a little on the highway, almost as if the steering gets kind of sensitive or just wanders a little if I'm not holding onto the wheel enough. Or, I'm overthinking it and it's just the wind blowing around a rather tall truck lol.

So would you guys say there is a noticeable enough difference to warrant an upgrade to something like JBA's upper control arms? Would I notice that much of a difference or am I better off just saving my money?

Any input is appreciated.


Brooks

 

More caster means more stability and comfort at higher speeds. Your caster was likely in spec near the bottom end.

I would recommend it, but its not necessary.

The 3" spacer lifts need it the most, but a 2" will notice a change, especially with a good alignment shop.

The thing is with stock arm lifted alignments, you usually get higher camber (0.9 degrees ish) to get the caster barely in spec (1.5ish), so if you get better geometry, you can get closer to zero camber and higher caster (2-3).

 

Thanks, I appreciate the info. So if I understand what you’re saying, you can get barely within the “acceptable” factory caster spec with stock arms, but you won’t get the ideal amount that you could with aftermarket arms that would potentially improve driving characteristics and such?

Correct me if I’m wrong

 

Basically yes, we prefer to align lifted trucks with arms.

SPC makes adjustable arms, but they have a decaying reputation as of late, JBAs are my favorite and they look sweet.

 

No, the taller tires are not affecting your alignment.

The wandering could be caused by a number of things including tires, alignment, excessive play in the suspension or steering, wind, and the road.

Post your alignment sheet.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=huMztKaHsUE&t=6s

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=InQnp42pfts

 

Bigger tires do not "negate" lift or put the suspension in a more relaxed position.

Wandering could be caused by the truck having less caster than stock, or by the AT3 tires, or a combination thereof. Bigger off-road tires behave worse on pavement than stock tires. Aftermarket UCAs will improve this somewhat by adding more caster.

 

I’ll look for the sheet when I get home next week, but I don’t think the shop I went to printed it…

Can definitely feel the wind sometimes, I mean maybe it’s always been wind since it’s usually at like 70 or 80+

 

I guess tire pressure could be relevant too, I mean I’m at 35 and think it makes sense for a 255/80/17 under normal circumstances, unless you guys have better experiences with the same tire size but different pressure

 

I've run my LT255/85r16's at various pressures and never noticed any difference in wandering. Air pressure does make a noticeable difference in ride quality, rolling resistance, and cornering, but only when varied by 25+% psi. I run mine at about 37psi most of the time.

 

https://www.carthrottle.com/post/what-is-scrub-radius-and-why-is-it-important/
That being said, more caster will help.

 

For what it's worth, I have a similar setup (skinny 33's and 1-2" lift), have had alignments with both 2 and 4 degree caster, and I didn't notice any difference in the handling between the two. The second alignment did however solve the slight rubbing issue I had.