Unequal and low Caster
08-11-2023 | 01:24 AM
#1
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, NSW
Unequal and low Caster
I’ve added a basic 50cm / 2inch lift on my Jeep JK 2 door not intending to do too much off-roading but more for the look and adventuring. Planning on slowly adding more suspension parts as it develops.
I have come back from the wheel alignment shop with the following report on my caster with the readings being unequal.
Front caster
left: -0*17
right: 1*34
Front camber
left: -0*46’
right: -0*37
Before I decide to add Lower control arms or relocation brackets I found the above result interesting and can’t find too much information on unequal caster. I’ve noticed that maybe the car has been slightly damaged on the left side, possibly hitting a ditch or off-roading, would the above reading indicate this?
What additional parts should I think about getting to amend the difference in caster?
I have come back from the wheel alignment shop with the following report on my caster with the readings being unequal.
Front caster
left: -0*17
right: 1*34
Front camber
left: -0*46’
right: -0*37
Before I decide to add Lower control arms or relocation brackets I found the above result interesting and can’t find too much information on unequal caster. I’ve noticed that maybe the car has been slightly damaged on the left side, possibly hitting a ditch or off-roading, would the above reading indicate this?
What additional parts should I think about getting to amend the difference in caster?
08-11-2023 | 08:34 AM
#2
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,608
Likes: 480
From: Calgary, AB, Canada
That caster setting should be the cause of flighty steering but you are not complaining about that. Most Jeeps need +3.8 to +4.5 caster. I run about +5 which does make the steering a bit heavier but ok. Not much you can do about unequal caster except to use offset ball joints to correct. Personally in my book these things are not Ferarri's so I don't worry about unequal settings as 110-120kph is plenty. But you need to get it caster to what I say earlier here or get another shop to look as it is hard to believe it is factory at that setting even with the 2" lift.
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XJRefugee (08-16-2023)
08-11-2023 | 04:56 PM
#3
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, NSW
That caster setting should be the cause of flighty steering but you are not complaining about that. Most Jeeps need +3.8 to +4.5 caster. I run about +5 which does make the steering a bit heavier but ok. Not much you can do about unequal caster except to use offset ball joints to correct. Personally in my book these things are not Ferarri's so I don't worry about unequal settings as 110-120kph is plenty. But you need to get it caster to what I say earlier here or get another shop to look as it is hard to believe it is factory at that setting even with the 2" lift.
08-16-2023 | 07:42 AM
#4
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 265
Likes: 80
From: fountain hills, arizona
If I am reading your caster numbers correctly the difference is less than 1 degree. Nothing to worry about just as Sixty4X4 has stated. More forward with adjustable control arms or relocation brackets or both ! you should get another alignment check after installation of these parts and that is the results to pay attention to. Caster is your friend , dial in more caster.