Any alignment pros out there? (Pics)

[NICHOLAS MATHER]

Can any alignment pros take a look at my most current alignment sheet?

I think she drives pretty well...but I'm all about getting things balanced, perfect, and set right.

My rig is rolling 33s/12.5/15. Ome 2.75-3 inch lift, new adjustable track bars. Tires new and balanced. Newer Stock control arms. CV shaft. Ball joints feel good, tie rod ends are new. Wheels have 4.5 back spacing.

What measurements are most concerning to you guys? What parts can I get to adjust things better?

 

[CharlesHS]

With caster like that.... You will need to invest in adjustable control arms to correct the caster...

 

[Goatman]

Other than that, you look pretty good. Anything over 2" of spring lift and you should be seriously thinking at least adjustable upper control arms.

 

[NICHOLAS MATHER]

I want to thank you guys for your advice, I just ordered all 8 double adjustable control arms from metal cloak.

(Side note, I wanted Currie due to their rep but the metal cloaks alone were over budget, let alone double adjustable Curries... I haven't heard many negative things about metal cloak, and my Jeep is 90% street, so I figured the cloaks would be okay?)

 

[ErikOffroad]

Pinion angle usually takes priority over the caster angle on a lifted Jeep though. U can try and dial that faster back into spec but if u get vibrations from the front drive shaft you may have to roll some of it back out. Either way that caster isn’t all that bad as long as you are happy with the wheel returning to center.

 

[NICHOLAS MATHER]

Pinion angle usually takes priority over the caster angle on a lifted Jeep though. U can try and dial that faster back into spec but if u get vibrations from the front drive shaft you may have to roll some of it back out. Either way that caster isn’t all that bad as long as you are happy with the wheel returning to center.

Hmm that's a good point, of course those numbers are going to be way out of spec as those guidelines are based off stock. And of course I cant go completely back to stock without the front shaft joints causing vibes.

Man, I didn't even think about that.

Does anyone know roughly where castor is supposed to be based off 2.5 to 3inch lifts, still getting good return to center but no vibes?

 

[JKLNHYD]

We're lifted 3.5" and the front sits right at about 6* of castor. Which means my pinion angle is also about 6*. Stock front driveshaft and no vibrations at any speed. With 2.5" of lift, I'd think 5* would be a good target. My return-to-center sucks a little bit so I might see about adjusting it a bit more.

 

[pagrey]

If it drives fine I wouldn't have done a thing. Those adjustable arms are't really going to change much but they are sure going to take allot of your time.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

Hmm that's a good point, of course those numbers are going to be way out of spec as those guidelines are based off stock. And of course I cant go completely back to stock without the front shaft joints causing vibes.

Man, I didn't even think about that.

Does anyone know roughly where castor is supposed to be based off 2.5 to 3inch lifts, still getting good return to center but no vibes?

You want the imaginary line that your tire steers on to intersect the ground the same distance from the contact patch as before.

Stock was 6-8. For 33's you want 5.5 - 7.3.

How much caster you can get decreases with lift, but I suspect you should most likely be able to get 5.5-6 without problems.

I would have just gotten Savvy uppers and keep the stock lowers if budget was an issue.

 

[astjp2]

With caster like that.... You will need to invest in adjustable control arms to correct the caster...

Why? Caster is not what you worry about, it’s driveshaft vibrations that you need to worry about. Also the camber can be caused by bad ball joints or a bent axle.

 

[CharlesHS]

Why? Caster is not what you worry about, it’s driveshaft vibrations that you need to worry about. Also the camber can be caused by bad ball joints or a bent axle.

You should worry about Caster because other than the steering not returning to center properly; low caster will cause the steering to be very light and drift on the highway.
Yes... I agree that driveshaft vibrations should be the primary consideration, but with adjustable control arms you should be able to resolve both...

 

[astjp2]

You should worry about Caster because other than the steering not returning to center properly; low caster will cause the steering to be very light and drift on the highway.
Yes... I agree that driveshaft vibrations should be the primary consideration, but with adjustable control arms you should be able to resolve both...

There were about 400k scouts and Jeeps built with 0 caster and no real driveability issues. But I do t need a Lexus in a Jeep.

 

[CharlesHS]

There were about 400k scouts and Jeeps built with 0 caster

I have no experience with those vehicles. Their front steering setup may allow for that amount...

 

[astjp2]

I have no experience with those vehicles. Their front steering setup may allow for that amount...

Dude, a solid front and rear axle in any vehicle can have 0-11 degrees of caster and still drive ok. Have you ever driven an older 4x4 from the 60’s or 70’s? That’s what a lot of them had. More caster just gives a better road feel and return to center. 0 caster is like herding cats but is very manageable if you know how to drive. My 68 charger came with 2.5 degrees and it was high performance and handling for the time.

 

[CharlesHS]

More caster just gives a better road feel and return to center. 0 caster is like herding cats but is very manageable if you know how to drive.

So... I think you made my point....
Why would you want to drive like that when you don't need to ...