Alignment Specs

So maybe Im a bit slow..... but I cant seem to find a recommended alignment spec for a 1st gen with SPC UCAs.

I am currently working on rebuilding a 2002 DC 4wd with ARB front bumper and winch on OME 883 coils assembly. I ordered a set of SPC UCAs to eliminate any binding or alignment issues but now I am trying to find the idea setting/alignment specs for this setup.

I will be running 285/70R16 with plans to step up to a 33x12.50R16 on SR8 with -12 offset

Is there a preferred alignment setting or is it just try until you like it?

I'm set at 6.4 caster on my Tundra on 37s but not sure if that is a feasible number, or needed for that fact, on the 1st gen.

Help me out!

 

The alignment spec doesn't change with the suspension components you install. That is to say, the factory specs are still what you should shoot for in order to have reasonable handling and tire wear. Aftermarket components - like the SPC arms - just make it easier to achieve those specs on a modified (lift, larger tires, etc.) truck.

Now, just because the factory specs are still "correct" doesn't mean that they are necessarily what you should run. Obviously for camber and toe, you want to go with factory, but the SPCs will allow you some play (usually) when it comes to caster. There, it's totally up to you, and the tradeoff is this:

• The further forward you move the wheels in the wheel well, the less caster you're going to have (setting G will give you the least caster) BUT, moving the wheel forward will result in less rubbing/need to clearance the tires on the wheel well.
• The further backwards you move the wheels, the more caster you'll have (setting A will give you the most caster) BUT, you'll be rubbing your tire on the wheel well, and you'll need to do work (pinch weld, trimming, tubing at the extreme) in order to clear your tires through their entire range of motion.

In general, I like to start at D and shoot for factory caster alignment numbers (the ability to achieve them will depend on your lift), and then work towards G to alleviate any rubbing (having already done the pinch weld and some bashing).

 

Thank you @turbodb! Love your content btw!

I just didn't know if there was a recommended caster number to shoot for to eliminate any rubbing or not on these trucks. I figure I'll end up with approximately 2.5 inches of lift up front and plan on stepping up to a 33x12.5 in the future. I wish I had a good offroad shop in my area that could determine that but unfortunately, I'm stuck figuring it out, roughing it in then explaining how to adjust the UCAs to get what I'm looking to achieve.

 

Elimination of rubbing is really truck/tire/wheel combo specific. With wider tires, you're going to be more likely to rub, so my guess is that you'll end up minimizing your caster (using setting G). Even I did this initially - and I run 10.2" wide (255/85R16) tires - to minimize the rubbing. That'll mean you end up with caster in the 1° range, probably. You'll have to figure out how that feels to you. Personally, I don't mind it in that range and I don't feel like the truck handles poorly, but I know a lot of folks prefer to run at 3-4° caster because they feel it is less "wandery."