Bent spindle?

I took my truck to get aligned, and if they set it to factory spec, it comes out perfect with no issues. If they put the caster where I want it, the driver's side maxes out at 2.5, but the passenger's side maxes out at 1.2. Could I have bent the spindle, or would there be something else to look for? It has all new ball joints and bushings.

 

there is a way to measure spindles
but need to know 5 or 6 lug

typically any spindle is the last suspension component that bends...it happens, but usually multiple susp components also needed (from crash dmg)

 

I have a 6 lug 4wd sr5 v6

 

No idea if its possible to tell you for sure a bent spindle is your problem. I'd imagine a number of things can be contribute to the asymmetry.

But, they do bend back straight fairly easily if you have a solid mounted vice and a torch. If you remove the UBJ from the spindle you can use a digital angle finder to measure the angle between the spindle upright the UBJ hole, should be ~90d.
I had mine off to add gussets when I noticed they didn't both look square, one measured 84d one measured 88d. Got them both to 88d, and then got the gussets welded on.



I'd definitely recommend gussets if you bend them. I wouldn't trust a spindle that has been bent, heated, then bent again, to be as strong as they should be. Gussets solve that worry.

Can't comment on what effects this had on the alignment. Changed too many things at the same time (which were all contributing to a poor previous alignment) and did the post-alignment at home.

 

Thank you

 

Ok got it

I lost handle to the tool
Used a piece of wood to show the straight edge that would have a bolt to tighten on the slotted SS pointed portion

put handle on flat portion of rotor between studs and measure to nipple near top of spindle.
Compare measurement to opo side