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Alignment opinions wanted

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by thirdyota, Dec 8, 2020.

  1. Dec 8, 2020 at 9:00 PM
    #1
    thirdyota

    thirdyota [OP] shouldn't be trusted

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    Brian
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    Hey all,

    So I recently had an alignment done after installing my new Elka/Bilstein/JBA suspension on my 4Runner. The sheet that JBA gives for recommended alignment specs shows 3.2 and 3.1 for the caster settings. I gave this sheet to the guy doing my alignment and he pretty much followed what I asked except for setting a slight side to side caster variance... 3.0 and 2.6.

    He said this is recommended to compensate for road crown. The truck tracks great on both the highway and on back roads (it actually feels better than it ever has) ...so I have no reason to disagree with him.

    After much Googling...I see this is a hotly contested subject among people in the car world.

    Just curious what all you fine 4Runner folks think.

    Also...
    If JBA recommends low 3's for caster, how come I see so many people suggesting numbers above 4?


    Thanks,
    Brian
     
  2. Dec 8, 2020 at 9:11 PM
    #2
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

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    If it drives to your liking I wouldn't mess with it just to get numbers similar to internet dudes.

    Some people enjoy excessive caster as it helps with bumpsteer and rut following with larger tires.

    I've never personally taken much stock in alignment printouts assuming angles left and right are similar and the vehicle feels good to drive.
     
    Thatbassguy and thirdyota[OP] like this.
  3. Dec 8, 2020 at 9:27 PM
    #3
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    Let me share 2 sheets of mine. TRD ORP with SPC UCA and Limited with stock UCA. I don't if the alignment is correct or not, just sharing what I got from my 4x4 shop.
    TRDallign.jpg limitedallign.jpg
     
    Aaron4x4 and thirdyota[OP] like this.
  4. Dec 8, 2020 at 9:55 PM
    #4
    thirdyota

    thirdyota [OP] shouldn't be trusted

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    To your point about the printouts. I've read posts from alleged alignment experts stating that the printout numbers can easily be faked.

    Another guy said that he's fired many techs from his shop for faking the numbers.

    I didn't even get an actual printout because the shop owner told me the printer is broken...lol. He just used a Sharpie and wrote some numbers over the JBA printout that I had given him.

    FWIW...this was done at a small, old school Mom and Pop shop and the owner is the guy that actually did my alignment and road tested it.
     
  5. Dec 9, 2020 at 7:19 AM
    #5
    HondaKen

    HondaKen New Member

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    If you are happy with your alignment and it feels fine. Thats great. But if you hired them to do it by the specs you want, they need to do it this way. I'm a great customer, but I want what I paid for. Noteworthy point: If I bring it in and want it done a certain way that is unsafe...I don't think they should do it for me.
     
    Aaron4x4 and Toy4X4 like this.
  6. Dec 9, 2020 at 8:11 AM
    #6
    kbp810

    kbp810 rebmem wen

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    As long as it's tracking straight and not wanting to pull to the side, I wouldn't worry about it. But I know I've heard that "for the crown of the road" excuse thrown out there before. Had a tech try and give me a bunch of positive camber once, and gave that explanation as the reason why... whereas, I'm fairly certain the real reason is that they did a toe and go, and that's just where the camber landed. After major changes, I tend to do my own rough DIY alignment first; then take it in for a double check and refinement... that way if they half ass it, they're at least half ass'ing it to within tolerance of where I wanted it, lol. I've also found a couple techs in my area that do good work, so less of a worry for me these days.

    I don't know though, maybe there's some validity to it when it comes to caster... but I've always had mine set to the same (or at least close), and always tracked straight with no noticeable pull; including some of the heavier crowned older rural roads.
     
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  7. Dec 9, 2020 at 8:14 AM
    #7
    HondaKen

    HondaKen New Member

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    That.
     
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  8. Dec 9, 2020 at 9:24 AM
    #8
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    Without reading through, I will add that I'm pretty sure our caster spec is 2.9-3.9. So, 2.6 is below spec.

    Some prefer excess caster to push the tires away from the body mount.

    If it's driving straight, and not rubbing, it's probably not worth worrying about.
     
    doublewide and Toy4X4 like this.
  9. Dec 9, 2020 at 12:20 PM
    #9
    thirdyota

    thirdyota [OP] shouldn't be trusted

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    I don't believe 2.6 is out of spec. The sheet from JBA shows spec as 1.2-2.7
    [​IMG]
     
    Thatbassguy[QUOTED] likes this.
  10. Dec 9, 2020 at 12:23 PM
    #10
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    Maybe it depends on trim? My alignment sheet from after my lift shows 2.9-3.9° :notsure:

    Screenshot_20201209-141945_(1).jpg

    I'm at 3.9 now, and it seems fine to me.
     
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2020

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