Highway Speed "Float" after 2.5" Lift... Anyone?

I just wanted to hear from those that have lifted your truck around the 2.5" or 3" mark.

This is the first Tacoma I have ever lifted out of three I have owned. Ride quality prior to the lift was good and everything seemed very stable even at 80+ interstate speeds. Ever since the 2.5" spacers on the front end my highway speed "float", "drift" (whatever you call it) has gotten very noticeable at speeds 65mph+. To the point it made me slow down quite a bit the last rainstorm because it felt like I was hydroplaning (which it turns out I was not).

Not to squash any of the random helpfulness that this forum tends to offer but I would really appreciate hearing from those that have this, corrected this or know why this is happening.

Thanks in advance!

 

Without aftermarket uca's your alignment will be a little off.
Hence the "float".

 

Have you had your alignment checked?
Increasing caster will usually stop the vehicle from wandering or floating. You want your caster to be around 2.4º.

After lifting 2.5" and higher some people have trouble getting the proper Caster. Thats why some people install aftermarket UCAs. Most aftermarket UCAs are made to increase caster.

 

Did you get/have the alignment #'s?

 

No, but I will be calling the shop today. They stated camber was good and caster was close but off.

What really bugs me about the alignment is that I can visually see the camber being "off" (still appear to be tucked in at the top).

I should have stuck around while the tech aligned the truck... I will see if I can get the numbers today.

As for aftermarket UCA's, a small lift such as I described would make things that noticeable? (once again, first lift, sorry for the redundant questions)

 

@ the last part..."Noticeable?" Yes,2.5" is the magic # for the Tacoma's i.f.s. front end.
No worries on the questions.

 

Pirelli Scorpion 265/75/16 - These are 10 ply so I would assume that should not come into play. I am running 35psi all the way around right now.

Again, THANK YOU for the input guys. I scheduled a numbers check for 9am at the shop.

 

No shit?? You

 

Did you specify the alignment settings to the shop? If not, the standard alignment range is used and that is more than likely not optimum for your lift/tires. Make sure you specify the settings you want the alignment set at, and make sure they are set there before you leave.

 

I noticed the float/wander pretty bad before at about 70+, but as others have stated i made sure the shop did my alignment correctly to the numbers I wanted ie. 0*toe 0*camber and 2.4* caster, rides like a dream ever since. Im running a stiff tire as well (285 KM2's) @35psi, also i AM running Total Chaos UCA's, my lift is right at 3in.

 

X1000 you'll forget all about the wandering, promise.

 

WOW, thread jacking 101...

LOL,

Anywho... Just got back and I asked for the 0-0-2.4

The tech said the best he could do was:

Left Camber: 0.7
Right Camber: 0.6
Caster Left: 1.8
Caster Right: 1.8

He also noted that my Pirelli's are "E" rated and should be running at a HIGH pressure?

 

E Rating = 80PSI Max

 

You have probably fixed it by now but in case you haven't I will be installing theses bushing kits to see if they help at all. But I need a new powersteering rack first so it may be a while. This could be a cheap fix for these issues.