Got 5100’s and 6112’s just installed with an add a leaf and now the steering feels lose?

So I was hoping to get a more firm stable ride from the upgrade (5100’s in the back with a 2” add-a-leaf and coilover 6112’s in the front) but now the steering feels a good bit loose. Not horribly loose but definitely a decent bit looser than it was before the suspension upgrades. Did the shop do it wrong or is this normal behavior?

It just sucks because I got the suspension upgrade to maybe give it an inch or two but more importantly make it tow my 6500lbs travel trailer. I haven’t hooked the trailer up but I’m not feeling really great about it being better at the moment.

I even also put in 275/70/18’s (Falken Wildpeaks) but they’re E rated as opposed to the passenger tires on there before so I would think that would make it more firm.

Thoughts?

 

I just had 5100’s on the front at 2.5 lift installed today. My steering feels the same as before the lift. Also aligned after the lift so you might wanna check that

 

You might want to check if they did alignment after the install

 

I think I know what you mean. It’s like the wheels sink when you turn. I think it’s cause of the alignment and your tires are tilted in like a V.

 

I would get the alignment checked

 

Well that’s reassuring because the alignment hasn’t been done yet. I’ll get it done today.

 

definitely I think it will clear up afterwards. Post yo your alignment sheet when your done

 

So the shop that did the lift recommended one specific guy to do the alignment. Can I take it anywhere or does it really make a difference if he’s a specialist doing alignment with lifted trucks?

 

Most likely that is a “scratch my back I’ll scratch yours” kind of deal that shop does with the guy. But chances are he’s probably fine. I’d make sure that the shop knows what they are doing. My alignment cost was 104 and they did a good job so far as I can tell.

 

I'm more saying that just a general generic place to do the alignment would that be an issue?

 

I had the same steering issues after “3 lift, installed Bilstein 5100 up front helped a little, I stalled new 2019 TRD front solid sway bar yesterday-it eliminated all steering issues & mushy feel- drives great.
Hope this helps

 

So I got it aligned and it looks like it’s in spec. It’s def not what I expected as it still feels a little loser than what I was hoping for but its WAY better than it was. Here is the spec sheet.

 

When I had my 6112s installed I went back 3 times for alignments before it felt right. It was in spec every time but they made adjustments til it felt good. I don’t have my #s, but there is a thread on here about what #s to aim for with a lift.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/alignment-specs.8126/

 

funny you say that. Alignment #3 is what it took for my 6112s too. First was after install. 2nd was about 3k miles later. 3rd was after 8k miles. After the first and second everything felt great. It would slowly start to go back out. I attribute it to the 6112s needing good break in time. After the third the truck just felt “right”. Been perfect since and the truck rides and drives so damn good on long trips.

 

What setting are you at and can you share your alignment numbers?

 

3rd setting.

I honestly can’t tell you for sure. The shop I use is old school and doesn’t have print outs.

but I did give them numbers to shoot for.

camber 0-.2
Caster 2.3-2.5L 2.5-2.8R
total toe no greater than 0.15.

I assume that’s where they got it set too. Haha. I don’t ask questions when I get in and it drives as good as it does. Not a bit of uneven wear even after 10k miles.

 

Awesome, thanks. Going to install my 6112s at 1.9" and add two shims left, one right. Was curious what others have gone with.