Caster issues

This afternoon I took my truck to firestone for an alignment after installing my lift a few days ago. Haven’t driven it since I installed it. Firestone guy called and said that they couldn’t get my caster any closer than 3 1/4 degrees, and I guess .5 degrees is the recommendation. They’re trying to say that it’s a sub frame issue, but the trucks never been in an accident and I’ve never had any alignment issues since I’ve owned it.

Anybody else ever run into any issues like this? The lift wasn’t anything crazy.
3” toytec boss with 2” rear blocks

 

Stock ucas?

 

Negative. SPCs that came with the kit from @ToyTec.

 

take it somewhere else ?

 

Right.
depending on what firestone tells me in the morning, I probably will. They said they’re gonna “put their best guy” on it tomorrow and they’d let me know.

 

Yeah, I’d take it somewhere else probably. Although I took mine to Firestone and they got it the first time. Maybe their best guy worked on my truck, lol.

 

lol...man it's hit or miss on the alignment shops...I had to take my truck to 3 places to finally find the right guy that was working that day...

 

Maybe thats why they kept pushing their lifetime alignment package..
because that’s how long it’s take them to finally get it dialed in.

 

Adjustable with or without zerks?

 

With.
The front shocks are adjustable but not the UCAs.

 

So your UCAs from SPC are NOT adjustable?

 

Wait, my bad.
Yes they’re adjustable.

Sorry, distracted by the game.

 

I have the SPC UCA’s and mine can be adjusted for camber and castor...I think...maybe I am confused... not a wiz at alignment lingo.

 

I’m pretty sure you’re right. That was partly why I made sure they were adjustable, I’ve heard stories about people having a hard time with caster after lifting their trucks.

I’m sure these dudes at firestone just don’t know what they’re doing in this case, with this particular set up. One way or another, I’ll get t sorted out. I’ll take it to Toyota if I have to, I just don’t want to pay that much for an alignment if I don’t have to. But paying is better than fighting steering wheel pull all the time I suppose.

 

Toyota isn’t any better than firestone...trust me...been there, done that, got a t-shirt. What you need to do is find an independent alignment specialist who know what the hell they are working with and understands an alignment and the components that make it up. Toyota only knows toyota components. IF A MACHINE DOESNT TELL THEM WHAT TO DO, “MOST” CANT CORRECT IT. I say most, there are good dealership mechanics, but hard to find. I learned all this the hard way, so take it for what it’s worth. Good luck!stay away from chain stores...

 

There’s actually a super reputable mom and pop alignment shop in town. I should have just gone there in the first place. Lesson learned I guess.

 

Now your thinking...

 

Um. My caster is at +6. Not sure if it’s possible to get it any closer. Camber and toe are in spec.

 

When you do get this figured out can you post your final numbers? I will be in the same boat as you pretty soon.

 

Yeah man for sure. I should have it squared away today some time.

 

.5 was the number given to me by the kook at firestone. So, that being said, it may very well be wrong. I’ll update the thread today when I get it sorted out.

 

So firestone got it aligned finally. Said they were having trouble with the lower control arms.
@OBXTundra, here are the specs.

 

Anyone have any input on the "after" numbers? Do they look good?

I want a good baseline to have a shop shoot for.

 

I have mine in my glove compartment I can check them and send a pic when I get home. I have Camburg UCA's that may change some numbers but should be more or less the same. I also have a OME suspension. When I got my truck I had to take mine back I was having the same issue the second time I had someone who actually knew what he was doing work on it.

 

I don't see a problem with 3.25 degrees of caster. smslavin has 6 degrees I think that's good. My truck drove great with 6. If you can get 6 without rubbing the cab mount, go for it. I ask for .1 toe both sides .1 camber and as much caster as they can get. Your specific lift will change the numbers. If Firestone is trying to use stock numbers they're wrong, you're no longer stock. Put chalk on the ground and roll your front wheels over it. Look for even distribution of chalk on the tread, if it's even, your camber is good. Here's a thread with alignment numbers: http://www.tundratalk.net/forums/tu...spec-thread-w-links-shop-recommendations.html

 

You have to remember that when you lift a truck using a spacer on the top of the shock, you are changing the length of the lower arm, which means it pulls the wheel in.

You are not literally changing the length of the arm, but you are changing the angle, which in the world of alignment means it's shorter.

The great the angle the more it pulls the bottom of the wheel in causing the wheel to lean outward.

The real problem here is that at a full 3 inch lift, or slightly more, the adjusters for the camber are maxed out and you still can't get a good alignment out of it.

For alignment room you either need to cut into the frame on the lower adjusters or change the upper control arm, or find or make bushings that are off center (either upper or lower).

 

This thread is 2 years old.
I love all of your suggestions for fixing the alignment angles. I’ve never aligned a car in my life but couldn’t you just buy upper arms that modify the angles to compensate for the lift?

 

Sumthin tells me you might already have the answer.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...driving-report-with-light-racing-ucas.158795/

Here is a great write up a friend of mine did over on TW about alignment with the SPC ucas after I spent a couple hours on the phone with him explaining how it all works.