Alignment read out for the experts

I just had the Bilstein 5100's installed on the top setting with stock UCA's from a reputable 4x4 shop on my 18 crewmax and I would like some opinions on how everything looks and should I be aware of any tire wear issues? Thanks guys
https://i.imgur.com/4QdNpeq.jpg

 

Those numbers look pretty good to me. I prefer more caster but the toe and camber look good.

 

will caster affect tire wear and if so are my #'s something to watch out for on my tires?

 

Simple answer is No, caster doesn't effect tire wear. Your #s are really good in terms of minimizing tire wear.

 

Your numbers are good for tire wear.. and you cant get much more caster without aftermarket UCAs. You're gucci

 

Looks good!!

 

what exactly is caster used for in an alignment?

 

More caster means highs speed stability and less prone to bump steer. Wheel will want to return to center and track better at higher speeds. For longer explanation see borrowed text below...

Borrowed from another site...

A very visual example of positive caster is a motorcycle's front steering forks. The forks point forward at the bottom and slope backward at the top. This rearward slope causes the front tire to remain stable when riding straight ahead and tilt towards the inside of the corner when turned.

Caster angle settings allow the vehicle manufacturer to balance steering effort, high speed stability and front end cornering effectiveness.

Increasing the amount of positive caster will increase steering effort and straight line tracking, as well as improve high speed stability and cornering effectiveness. Positive caster also increases tire lean when cornering (almost like having more negative camber) as the steering angle is increased.

What's the downside to positive caster? If the vehicle doesn't have power steering, a noticeable increase in steering effort will be felt as positive caster is increased. Other than that, the effects of positive caster are pretty much "positive," especially increasing the lean of the tire when the vehicle is cornering while returning it to a more upright position when driving straight ahead.

 

I would also like to know how mine look. Installed 3: Toytec/Eibach lift along with TC UCA's. Added Cooper ST Max 295/70/18. Ride was great the first couple of weeks. I now seem to be pulling to the right. I brought it back for a check and they just swapped some tires around. Take a look if you don't mind and see If I should go elsewhere.

Thanks, Mike

 

Also with increased caster, i have noticed more wear on the outsides of my tires... along with slightly accelerated heel and toe wear on the outsides. Should i take it to get re-aligned for a third time to check or is this fairly normal? I have king c/o, camburg UCAs; my caster is just over 6 degrees, and im running no front sway so i was expecting slightly more outer edge wear.

 

I would have them even out the caster/camber. The caster difference can be what is causing the pull. Its minor but looks like a lazy alignment tech. Do you clear the body mount with that setup?

 

Yes, no rub on the body mount. I have +24 rims. Might have to look for a different alignment shop in the bay area.

Thanks, Mike

 

My only comment is that I believe for 2018 Toyota actually change their specification on the toe setting (minor caster/camber as well I think,biggest change was toe).

Used to call .14 .... I want to say now that has changed to .085.

Iv been doing 0 camber, 7+caster and cross toe .12/.14 and always been happy with my tire wear.

 

Hit up @Lucas7154350 he should be able to help.

 

toe looks good, I have caster above 3 personally.

 

More (positive) caster = more trail (the distance between the arrows in the image below). Trail is the righting force in a steering system. The more righting force, the more your wheels want to find center so the vehicle is more stable. The downside is steering can get extremely slow and difficult if the caster is too positive. If caster is not positive enough, there is less righting force (less trail) so the vehicle will feel unstable such as wondering in the lane of travel.

 

@Watt maker

Thanks for all the info. I have gone backed and looked at all the reviews on the ST Maxx and I don't see anywhere about the right pull. Strange. May have made a different choice if I had known. I will bring it back to alignment shop with all this info and see if I can get it right.

-Mike

 

Paging @Watt maker Okay guys, my turn. I just installed the Toytec BOSS kit with SPC UCAs. I asked for at least 3 degrees of caster, but they said anymore caster than what they gave me would cause problems. I've only driven the truck about 100 miles, but it seems like it wants to wander a tiny bit. Here's my readout. Opinions?

I have the SPC ball joint at setting "D" and tightened all the way toward the outside of the UCA and it doesn't appear they touched it.

Anyone know what SAI is under "secondary angles"?

 

@Scud the thread about right pulling St MAxx's is on Tacomworld.