Caster angle

[mudjunkie 82]

I need to rotate my front 60 for a better pinion angle, Does anyone know the most you can go before it really effects caster angle? my caster is 7 degrees right now. Thanks for any info

 

[big83chevy4x4]

id like to know also

 

[mudjunkie 82]

Where is Tim when you need him

 

[BAJA_BLAZER]

Where is Tim when you need him

Who needs him?

For every degree you rotate the axle you change the caster the same amount. 7 degrees is in the ballpark.

When you turn the steering wheel, the front wheels respond by turning on a pivot attached to the suspension system. Caster is the angle of this steering pivot, measured in degrees, when viewed from the side of the vehicle. If the top of the pivot is leaning toward the rear of the car, then the caster is positive, if it is leaning toward the front, it is negative. If the caster is out of adjustment, it can cause problems in straight line tracking. If the caster is different from side to side, the vehicle will pull to the side with the less positive caster. If the caster is equal but too negative, the steering will be light and the vehicle will wander and be difficult to keep in a straight line. If the caster is equal but too positive, the steering will be heavy and the steering wheel may kick when you hit a bump.

 

[big83chevy4x4]

but how much can you rotate it without it wondering to much?

 

[mudjunkie 82]

Ditto??????????????????????????????????????????????????

 

[BAJA_BLAZER]

but how much can you rotate it without it wondering to much?

I set the race truck up with 8* caster. I don't know the factory specs off hand, but could look them up at home if no one else knows them. I would think 6* would be optimal and 2* would be sketchy at best. Get yourself (borrow) some caster shims and install them to try different settings before you do any cut ‘n turnin’. You’ll know when you have gone too far.

 

[big83chevy4x4]

im pretty sure the factory caster is 8*

i need a 6* shim to get my pinion angle right, but have been thinking about going with a 4*

 

[az-k5]

What is the best way to measure the castor you currently have? I assume an angle finder will work but where do you place it?

 

[K5MONSTERCHEV]

Yes 8* is correct. I looked it up when I had my knuckles put on.

 

[divorced]

What is the best way to measure the castor you currently have? I assume an angle finder will work but where do you place it?

 

[readymix]

AFAIK, You can not accuratly measure caster ange in your garage unless you have an alignment rack. It has to do with the steering inclination angle (SIA) and the changes encountered when you turn the wheels.

I could be wroung though as it has happened before. If anyone knows a way to do it i will buy you a beer or three for telling me.

 

[big83chevy4x4]

the only way i know is to remove the knuckle and get a bar to just fit inside the holes for the ball joints and stick a angle finder to it. youll also have to account for the angle of the entire truck.

its alotof work just to measure that, but it should work.

 

[divorced]

Maybe I'll just take my $40 to the alignment shop and see. They can set my toe then too.

 

[K5MONSTERCHEV]

What is the best way to measure the castor you currently have? I assume an angle finder will work but where do you place it?

A top the knuckle

 

[cybrfire]

From what I understand 4* positive caster is the least you should ever have. Don't quote me on this as it is hear say. I know there are lots out there that have less caster than that.


Don't try to flat tow anything with much less than that. It just don't work.