Correct amount of caster ??

[ChiefRocka]

So I've been driving my freshly lifted XJ for a while now.

I have about 2500 miles on it so far.

On certain roads, it seems to have a mind of its own, and on others its as straight as a arrow !

I had it aligned by a reputable shop. The alignment tech is an 'ol timer that might not be too knowledgeable with newer suspensions. In fact we took him a custom 65 Impala with aftermarket suspension, and we had to point out where the adjustments were. (although this long arm kit has better adjustments over stock)

I read somewhere here that the CASTER should be 5 Degrees ??

When I got the XJ back, the print out listed CASTER being in the 'RED', or out of spec.

He said he could of 'gave it more', but was worried about the driveline.

With the high-pinion axle I think I will be ok. (??)

I think the toe is ok, as after all these miles on pavement, my tires are still showing some of the extra rubber from the mold.

Also, it seems to track better at higher speeds ... but I cant do 85 in a school zone.

It's going back today for that and a tire re-balance

I'm assuming the alignment rack will also determine if the axles are parallel with each other ?? The longarm main pivot is adjustable, and was adjusted with a rusty tape measure per instructions ....

Thoughts ??

[4.3LXJ]

Yes, 5° is a good castor and the factory spec. You can go up to 8°. You can set your castor if you have a smart phone and leveler app. Set the phone on top of the upper ball joint for a reference. The drive line pinion angle needs to be within about 3° of the shaft, so in other words as straight a shot as possible, but it doesn't have to be perfect

[xj4life2]

If you do the top and bottom of the shaft it should be less than 1* degree of difference. We here have found than 4* of caster works best but each rig varies