Alignment Issue SPC

Hello all, i have a 2005 double cab with eibachs and bilsteins up front for a 1.6" lift with 1.5"aal out back. I just put my 2001 4runner wheels with 265/75/16 duratracs on and I am rubbing the mudflaps when turning. My numbers are as follows:
toe and camber are 0.1 but caster is 3.3 and 3.8. My spc uppers are maxed out to +2 caster and the tech said those number are the lowest he could get the caster. Before I put on my winter tires, I ran 2017 offroad rims with 265/75/16 wildpeaks with no rubbing, but that was with a messed up alignment. Before, my spc's were set to -1 caster and my alignment numbers were on 1.5 on each side for caster. I also ran the duratracs with the 4runner wheels last winter with no rubbing with those numbers.

Question is why am I rubbing now when my caster is set for more than what it was? doesnt the caster bring the tire forward away from the mudflap? It seems like the tire is more towards the mudflap than before and the gap is wider towards the front of the truck wheel well.

Im not sure what to do to fix this and any input would be appreciated.

 

You didn't mention who decided to move the upper ball joint all the way to the rear, but you're alignment guy is an idiot.

 

The cam bolts were maxed out on the old uca setting and I was only able to achieve 1.5 caster, so I moved it to the max uca setting and figured the tech could achieve 2.5 by moving the cam bolts back. I'm confused, is that not how it works?

 

If I were doing it, I would want the alignment cams set so that the lower ball joint is as far forward as possible(Rear cam all the way outward and front cam all the way inward), and then achieve the desired caster and camber with the upper ball joint position. That will get you the most clearance at the rear of the tire.

 

So, he adjusted the cams to move the lower ball rearward as much as the cams would allow. (less tire clearance)

Moving the lower ball joint forward increases caster and increases tire clearance at the rear of the tire, BUT, using the upper ball joint to increase caster, moves the ball joint to the rear and causes tire rub.

 

Ok thanks, I think I get it.... Adding caster to the lower cams push the tires toward the front of the truck away from the mudflap. Adding caster to the upper spc ball joint it pushes the tire back toward the mudflap. So, what setting should I put the upper ball joint to be able to achieve around 2 caster and still have the tire be pushed forward enough not to rub the mudflaps?

 

Muddinfun is correct. You should probably be set at "c", and adjust the LCA from there. Make sure the tech knows that he can get more camber at the top slot. Some techs have no idea how the SPC works.

 

If you had 1.5 at E and you only want 2 degrees, then set it at D. Personally, I would go with C and get a higher caster setting. Do you like the way it drives where it is now?

 

Thanks, yes the tech used the top slot to get me 0.1 and 0.1 camber at this most recent alignment. I will put the spc's to the "c" setting and have him adjust the lowers to get me to 2 caster. Im looking for between 2 and 2.5 caster and 0 toe and camber.

 

yes it drives good, but rubs the mudflaps...

 

Most of us with raised trucks like higher than stock caster. You have lots of room to play with this, so it's your choice. I like the way mine drives with 3 degrees. I doubt you would rub at the C setting.

 

Ok thanks. I just have to decide if I want to roll the dice and risk rubbing the mudflaps still at the "c" setting and know I will have a higher caster. Or play it safe and not rub at the "d" setting and have a lower caster.

thanks again

 

Remember that using C or D will force the bottom adjustment forward. It should be a pretty big improvement. Caster makes a big difference in the way the truck drives, so I would spend the time to get it right. You only have to go through this once. I screwed up when I set mine up too the first time. Most people do.

 

thanks for the knowledge and help

 

Just a suggestion. I would take a 32mm socket with me to the alignment shop, and make sure the tech knows that top nut is torqued to 150 ft lbs.

 

I have access to a garage and I will be re torquing the nut when the alignment tech is done. And now I know its 150 ft lbs, thanks

 

I run the spc ball joint all the way forward. Then max out lca eccentric bolts. Then eyeball camber with the spc bolt. I get about 2* caster but major firewall clearance. Could even clear some 35s on the street. In your case one setting back would probably net you 3* and still clear mudflaps. This is on my 4runner not Tacoma but same principle.

 

I had them slip at 150. I torque to 175 now.

 

thanks, im prolly gonna set it to "c" setting and see what happens

 

I literally spent half a day trying all settings. I highly suggest setting it at C. Max lcas and set camber. Then try to recreate the rubbing situation. If you still rub move forward a notch till you don't rub. Then when you bring it in all they do is set toe and slightly adjust lcas to zero in camber. Just mention you want as much caster as possible and you should be good.