Slight wandering, alignment numbers

So I have had a bit of wandering every since I've owned the truck with my OME lift, not a big deal but can get annoying at >70mph with any hint of a cross wind. Went to the shop today and told them of my woes, here's the numbers:

BEFORE:

FL FR
Camber -0.3 0.2
Caster 1.0 1.1
Toe -0.16 0.22

AFTER:

FL FR
Camber 0.0 0.1
Caster 0.5 0.5
Toe 0.04 0.03


Thoughts? My understanding is postive caster is the most important thing, looks like they didnt listen to my concern. Havent driven the truck high speed since so I cant really comment on handling post-alignment.

 

bump

 

The OME's height limit the amount of caster they can dial in. No one will be able to do any better with the caster. This is true of any lift. I don't have my numbers handy, but this is a common issue. So at higher speeds, it can feel a little twitchy.

The solution is adjustable UCAs, like the Light Racing UCAs. By default, they provide 2 degrees of additional caster out of the box, and they offer additional adjustability. I am getting tired of the amoutn of concentration needed on long drives. LR UCAs are next on my list, but it won't happen until this winter.

 

Thanks scocar. Hmmmm, guess I'll put those on my list as well; although I swore I'd never screw with aftermarket uca's again after my bad experience with uniball camburgs on my 03 Tundra. Made the whole truck feel dangerous to drive on the interstate at >75mph. However the reason for that is still up for debate. LR uca's are not uniball correct?

 

Correct. The balljoint is mounted in the UCA, thought, instead of the spindle. This allows it to be adjustable.

http://www.spc-tv.com/install/lt-suv/65-25460-toyota-tacoma-upper-control-arms.html

 

Sorry to jack your thread, but I am getting ready to install these on my 04 D-cab. Do you recommend just setting them at their "0" setting? I am adding toytec coilovers at the same time.

 

I've not looked at the first gen, but they should come with instructions on how to set them up... The "zero" position on the 2nd gens adds 2 degrees of caster. That seems to be just about the right amount.
Just check your instructions and set them at +2 degrees.

 

The plan is to set them at the 0 shim setting. Starting on it tonight.

 

Bumpin this old thread....

For those of you who have installed these...whats the verdict? Good alignment numbers? Good tire wear? My lift has now started my tires to cup, even though I rotate every 7k. Gonna have to do these soon but wondering what you guys have to say,.

 

The Light Racing UCAs are nice because they fix the low caster issue that happens when lifting the suspension. And since the use a High Angle Ball-Joint, there are no loud obnoxious squeaks to deal with.

 

Thanks YotaDan....

I have new lower balljoints and assume my wheel bearings are good....i don't hear any "wheel bearings are going bad" noise. No vibration so I think tires are balanced too. i may need to check upper balljoints

 

hey, guess what.

Last time I took it in, I told them specifically to crank the caster as much as they could (with stock UCAs).

Guess what? It worked a lot better. Better tracking, less twitchy.

I think unless you specify this, they just do a toe & go.

I had to have him tweak it once more because it was heading to the gutter a bit, but after that, it's great.

Dont' have numbers handy, but YOU DON'T NEED THE UCAs with this small amount of lift.

Worth a try before you buy UCAs, and of course resolve other issues you may be having (cupping etc.)

 

Good to hear scocar.....though I tried that trick and it would still act quite twitchy, though the caster was still in the red numbers. (Maybe this is what I get for purchasing lifetime alignments at Firestone...I think they're sick of me). Would really like to know what they got yours to with stock UCA's. I think I will go ahead and just replace my upper ball joints and start there. 97k on the truck now and never been replaced, worth a shot. Then I plan to ramrod those damn kids working at Firestone and emphasize the caster number. Though last time they told me they would never be able to get it right because I "had more lift on the drivers side then the passenger side". They were going off the fact that I had a drivers side 1/4" spacer in to compensate for the Taco Lean. I told them...pull a tape on it, I guarantee the drivers side is lower than the passenger. They never would satisfy my request because they knew I was right. Anyways, will update on the cupping at least, once I get new upper BJ's in.

Cheers

 

After my recent OME lift (881/10mm spacer/90004) I'v been experiencing a few issues with wandering, pulling when braking, and the tow was waay out, so I went to Firestone today to get an alignment. I emphasized the highest caster they could get, but I'm a bit confused with the results.

Here are the #s
Before:
FL / FR
Camber 0.2 / 0.7
Caster -0.2 / 0.0
Toe 0.53 / 0.57


After:
Camber -0.3 / 0.0
Caster -0.3 / -0.6
Toe 0.03 / 0.09

Can anyone help explain why the Caster has now gone down Any other insight on these numbers is greatly appreciated???

Also, the tech left a note that the "inside and outside cams are not even with eachother" is this a problem?

Thanks!

 

Your caster changed because they changed your camber. As you dial in one it affects the other. You may need aftermarket UCAs to get what you want.

You need to look at brake issues if it pulls when braking

 

+1.........I broke down and purchased Light Racing UCA's last Friday.....hoping my truck drives like it did when it was stock.

 

UGh, well I guess I knew thats the way to go... Keep us posted how they work for ya

 

Will do

 

Well I am happy to report that the Light Racing Adjustable UCA's solved all my issues. The truck handles like a dream on the highway now, with little to no "twitchy" action and takes much less effort to go for a highway cruise. The install was a bit of a bitch...those stock upper BJ's are stubborn, and the whole job took me about 9 hours! I had to get all angles of creative to get them out with my limited tools, however relentless pursuit payed off.

All was worth it in the end. My alignment numbers are now in the green. I took it on some rough rocky trails this past weekend, and I feel the truck handles the bumps better too, maybe because of the newly designed SpecRide poly bushings. However, i now have a clicking coming from the passenger side, but I think it maybe the swaybar end links. Nothing really great in the photos, as these UCA's definitely don't have as much bling factor as the Camburg and TC UCA's, but worth showing anyway. They are definitely more heavy duty than the stock UCA's.

BTW...the best price I could find for these was FatBobsGarage....just under $390 shipped, and they got here fast!