Looking for suggestions on caster settings. As per my signature I have the Chev engine which weighs about 40-50lbs more than the cast V6 I took out and have the Metalcloak 2.5"-3" lift with their LCArms. Steering is slightly squirrely now but no DW on these 4x4 trails called Calgary streets. I think I want to set the caster @ 5*+. That will be with pinion face angle at 1* up. Any feedback on this setting will be appreciated. Also does anyone know what one thread turn on a MC arm = in terms of degree change.

Thanks in advance

 

Did you try calling Metalcloak and asking about how much a turn will provide? I don’t have a good answer for you sorry.

 

I’d imagine there’s no set answer unless you do some math on your own. Think triangle and how the angles would change if you extend the hypotenuse. You’ll have to make measurements and math it out. Their 3.5” spring won’t give you exactly 3.5” of lift, same for their 4.5” springs. Everyone’s ride is different.

 

There's no "magic" number. Most of us are fine in that general 4-5* range. Obviously the higher you go with a factory axle your treading that line of acceptable caster vs. driveline vibes. I think I was running 4.5* on 3.5" lift when I had factory axle and it was fine for me.

 

i just called metalcloak a few weeks ago... 1 full turn = .75 to 1 degree for upper control arms.

 

Thanks everyone. I have it set for about 5.5+ by measuring the angle of the pinion flange at about 1/2* up using the cell phone level. Steering is a little heavier but works nice and no road feed back in steering and takes our street potholes way better. Like those adjustable LCAs. Will get it on the rack soon.

UPDATE: Drove on freeway to work today at 120kph. No vibes, no wandering and rides like a new pickup truck now. 120 (75mph) will be as high as I ever take it IMO they are not designed to go any faster. So all good and still adjusting and tweaking. Will set up rear LCAs next. Looking at front original arms the bushings were coming away at the edges so they must have been a little soft leading to that road feel back through the steering. Will look at all rubber bushed joints now. Jeep has 176000kms on it (110k miles). Thanks for all the help all.

 

Not that it matters a ton, but I've found even digital angle finders to be off by up to 1* on a garage floor that read 0 slope with the same finder vs. what the actual alignment machine reads. I always just use the angle finder as a baseline, then get an alignment (I have a lifetime one through Firestone), then if i had to adjust more I'd simple adjust, using the difference from my baseline as a means to judge how much I needed to adjust. Again, there's a wide range that's acceptable so it's not really a big deal. Just bringing it up since you mentioned using phone to determine the pinion angle. The rear end on the 4drs is definitely more forgiving given the wheelbase and angle of the DS. I've always found fiddling with the rear axle to be more about positioning the axle for tire size when going 37s or larger than pinion angle.