How's my alignment?

Just installed 8112s set to 3.25in, and bilstein UCAs, how's my alignment look? Should increase the caster a bit more? I've read some people like more caster, let me know your thoughts. It drives straight and as far as I can tell. But I havent hit any long roads to verify.

 

Chaotic Good

 

Hmmm haven't heard that one before. But I like it

 

Roll d20 for initiative

 

That looks pretty good to me if you're not lifted. Kind of impressive that the tech got camber and toe equal side to side. Either he was lucky or he spent some time trying to get it right. One of the best print outs I've seen posted.

 

It's lifted 3.25in in the front and 2.1in in the back. The tire shop recommended this alignment place, and said they were the best around. Appointment only, and all they do are alignments. I went over all the stuff I replaced and upgraded, and they test drove it, aligned it, and test drove it again, then checked the alignment again, took about an hour. He also told me he increased the caster on the right side to prevent it from pulling right.

 

Sounds like a place that knows what they are doing. A GOOD alignment guy can be like hitting the lottery in some places…..

 

If you don’t need tire clearance, your caster is fine. I think this is the only reason you’ll see guys with high caster numbers.

 

Can you explain further ? I have not heard this before .

 

Common, to fit larger tires caster is often increased by using the UCAs to push the wheel as far forward as possible. Also, aftermarket UCAs are used (TC and MCM being the best IMO) to move the top of the wheel back.

 

Gold! Can’t ask for much better. I do my own alignments and that’s about what mine looks like.

 

Alright, so I've put about 1200 miles on the truck since my alignment. And I've noticed the truck wanders really bad on the road, it doesn't track straight like it used to, unless the road is absolutely perfect. The steering wheel also doesn't return to center like it used to, the steering in general feels much softer and easier to turn, not as much resistance. If I'm on a nice straight road, I constantly have to correct the steering because it wanders so bad, I can't just rest my hand on the wheel like I used to. It never did this before. One more thing. I'm getting the slightest bit of feathering on the inside of both front tires, at an even wear rate. Any ideas on that? Thanks alignment gurus!

 

More caster will help it track straighter and help the steering re-center.

 

Anything I should ask for in particular as far as caster? I have Bilstein UCAs so adjustment shouldn't be an issue. The better it tracks straight, the happier I'll be

 

There are so many different setups for these trucks creating infinite variables, it's hard to give specific advice. Books could be written on this subject and an entire library filled with conflicting opinions.
Air pressure and tire tread/brand are possible factors too. Might be best to start here since you're not "lifted" and your alignment #s are within spec. What tires did you go with and what size?

 

Thats understandable. Just wanted a number to give to the alignment guy so he can have something to work with. He speaks zero English, so the lady up front has to translate.

here's my set up
295/70/r18 mickey thompson baja boss at
Bilstein 8112s are set to 3.25in of lift
Dobinsons leaf springs provide 2.1in of lift

 

Ahh, little different than I thought. What UCAs do you have?

 

Just for comparison, I had +/-3.5" of lift on 295 70 18s and felt the truck was best with 4* left 4.5* right caster. To get there I used MCM fab UCAs. I don't remember if the BMC was necessary, might not've done that 'til I went with 35s.

 

Bilstein UCAs. I just did a BMC too, cause I had very slight rubbing on the driver's side, and I'm gonna go with 37s after these tires wear out because the lift makes these tires look to small. I'll mention the 4* left and 4.5* right caster to them, I have a one year alignment warranty, so they'll do it free. Just gotta make an appointment for it. Here's some pics cause pics are cool.

 

The pics help a lot and your plan for going to 37s changes things. I recommend you ask them to adjust the LCA as far forward as possible while keeping camber as close to 0* as possible. Be sure the right is +/- .5* higher. Looking at the pic of the UCAs I'm guessing you'll maybe see 4* right and 3.5* left.

 

I'll tell them to do that. I also have new LBJs, and the super pro poly bushings in the LCAs. I won't be going to 37s for quite awhile as these tires are new, so I'm not worried about getting it aligned for that just yet. I got about 2 years, 50k miles or so from my last set of tires

 

Does it drift to one side specifically or take different directions when hitting imperfections? More caster will increase straight line stability especially when lifted.

 

It just goes wherever the road takes it
It doesn't pull in any specific directions. It just chases imperfections like a dog chasing a squirrel.

 

Sorry for the resurrection, but did you get this resolved?

 

I actually haven't. I guess I've gotten used to it. I'll probably get it addressed one of these days. Needs more caster though.

 

Seems kinda odd since you are within caster spec. But more probably wouldn't hurt. What you describe is more commonly due to a lack of toe I think.

Alignments aren't that hard to DIY. If you have a flat place to park it, it's pretty easy. But I guess you can get a redo for free, so...