Alignment Question

For those running 265/75R16 with 2.5in lift what alignment specs are you running. Assuming you have proper suspension parts for the lift like adjustable UCA. I’ve already taken the truck to 2 different shops for alignments and I still have loose and wandering steering. I have a feeling that they are aligning it to OEM specs. I’m not an expert in alignments but I want to be able to tell how I’d like aligned according to the lift.

And before you ask, yes I’ve have adjustable UCA, new ball joints on LCA, running 30-32 psi, new struts, steering rack does not move or leak, replaced upper and lower steering shaft, rotated tires, everything was checked for correct torque on all suspension (twice). Still have light bump steer and wandering.

 

Also I’ve read that people replace the tie rods to get the max caster but for extreme lifts like 4-6 in. I know in my case 2.5in lift isn’t crazy but should I be trying to replace my stock tie rods with after market.

 

Lots of threads on this and lots of opinions. But since I've got about that much lift and my truck drives smooth like butter, I'll throw in my 2 cents to help get all the Internet trolls ready to pounce and call me a dumdum.

Unless you are trying to get maximum tire clearance to fit wheels/tires (i.e. more caster which has it's own drawbacks), you should shoot for somewhere between 2.5-3 degrees of caster, zero camber, and zero or slightly positive toe (0.02 is low end and that's good to shoot for). Some people talk about voodoo of setting one side with more toe or caster for "road crown" but in my opinion that's old backwoods nonsense. We have laserbeams nowadays for a reason and tires ain't old bias ply garbage. Set it properly and evenly within the specs and you will be A-OK.

Here's a copy of my most recent alignment. I have a very good tech and he sets it exactly like I ask for within limits of the real world. Again, smooth as butter. There are some other threads around but I can't find them right now to link them and they would back up what I am saying. I'll share later if I come across them again.

Ninja edit: Didn't see your post about tie rods while I was typing the reply. Stick with OEM tie rod ends for 2.5" lift, you don't need anything else.

 

Thanks for that speedy reply. Exactly what I was looking for. Just want to be able to show my guy these numbers and tell him that’s what I need. One of the shops I took it to specializes in lift trucks and they set the tow all the way to the right. Seemed like a mistake which seem off to me but like I said I’m no expert on alignments

 

Update! After takingn it to get aligned after 4 times truck is driving wayyyy smoother than before. Handling is a lot tighter as well. Still light loose feeling but at highway speeds everything feels nice and tight.

I specifically asked to set the castor at 3.0 and my toe and camber at 0. Seemed to work for me! thanks again everyone!