Steering Question

I have installed Bilstein 5100’s as leveling kit on my 2022 TRD OR. I have the fronts set at the third notch, which I believe give the front about 1.5 inches of lift. I got an alignment, but now the steering doesn’t feel right at speeds above 60 mph. I’ve tried to explain it to the alignment techs, but I’m not sure if I’m explaining it correctly. At speeds over 60 mph the front seems “light”. It tracks straight, but the front just doesn’t feel planted. It even feels a little unstable like any rut, dip, or pothole make the tires want to go in that direction. I took it back because I thought the camber was too much on the positive side. They did the alignment again. Camber is now +0.4 on both sides. But now I’m wondering if it’s the caster that’s off. Caster is +2 and +2.4. I’m hoping someone here has some knowledge here about this issue. I really don’t like driving my truck anymore because of this.

 

Higher center of gravity now, albeit it may not seem like much it does change things. I noticed something similar even with seat jackets installed

 

Caster over 2 is ideal, and the camber is as well.

Basically it's how the truck is going to be. If you get under and look at the tie rods you'll see they have a downward angle, this is one cause. The geometry is disturbed and it won't ride like stock again.

One thing that I preach is higher toe on lifted trucks with heavy tires. It compensates for the force of the tires and typically yields better results. But in this case it won't make a big enough difference to warrant another alignment.

 

Light, or wandering drifting, or shopping cart steering is usually caused by low caster. I wouldn't suspect a caster of +2 to do that.

Although, I wouldn't be too crazy about the cross caster being 0.4. That seems like it's just a hair too much difference there. I know that they say it can be up to half a degree difference, but it still feels high. Strictly opinion. And doesn't explain floaty steering.

 

Bumpsteer due to change in steering/tie rod geometry. Increasing caster will just make it more pronounced.

Did you change wheel offset at the same time for more stance? That'll increase the bumsteer feel too.

 

Interesting that you say that. I did get new wheels recently. They are the Trail Edition bronze wheels. They are OEM and not the knock-offs. I did read somewhere that the offset on those wheels is a little different than the stock OR wheels. But, not sure how much or if it’s even enough to make a difference. However, I did notice this steering feel after those were installed. The thing is, I don't take it on the freeway much since I have another commuter car for my daily driver. But, that car will be gone soon, so my Tacoma will become my daily driver. Is it possible that the offset is enough to cause this issue? The offset on the Trail Edition wheels is 4mm.