Zero (0 deg) Caster

[AFdude412]

So I recently changed out my driveshaft for a new OEM one after 10,000 miles of off roading, towing, etc. I figured I was on borrowed time and kept checking my shaft (so to speak) before every trip. I was one of the first to lose their front shaft in 2024 while I was lifted on the 2.5 Eibach w/ stock arms so I have since kept an eye on things.

Since Feb of 2025 my dealer installed the Metalcloak adjustable arms and did another alignment. I forgot to ask for the before and after results; and later when I called they couldn't retrieve them, but said I was "in spec". I took their word for it. Nothing was pulling or driving differently than normal.

So here I am almost a year later, I decided to have my alignment checked. My toe was a little off and fixed, but to my chagrin, and the technician's, I was pretty close to zero and slightly negative caster. I don't mind the drive now (yes, it's a little twitchy on the highway) so I said KEEP IT THERE! I figured this would relieve some of the angle on my front shaft CVs.

But now it has me thinking. If I'm lifted 3" (or around 2.5" due to my bumper) what is the real world caster number like for the increased height vs stock height? Would that translate into something like 1.0? And is this, in theory

something that should keep my CVs alive longer?

 

[Dokatd]

So I recently changed out my driveshaft for a new OEM one after 10,000 miles of off roading, towing, etc. I figured I was on borrowed time and kept checking my shaft (so to speak) before every trip. I was one of the first to lose their front shaft in 2024 while I was lifted on the 2.5 Eibach w/ stock arms so I have since kept an eye on things.

Since Feb of 2025 my dealer installed the Metalcloak adjustable arms and did another alignment. I forgot to ask for the before and after results; and later when I called they couldn't retrieve them, but said I was "in spec". I took their word for it. Nothing was pulling or driving differently than normal.

So here I am almost a year later, I decided to have my alignment checked. My toe was a little off and fixed, but to my chagrin, and the technician's, I was pretty close to zero and slightly negative caster. I don't mind the drive now (yes, it's a little twitchy on the highway) so I said KEEP IT THERE! I figured this would relieve some of the angle on my front shaft CVs.

But now it has me thinking. If I'm lifted 3" (or around 2.5" due to my bumper) what is the real world caster number like for the increased height vs stock height? Would that translate into something like 1.0? And is this, in theory View attachment 7920229something that should keep my CVs alive longer?

Reduced caster absolutely helps your CV. And with the amount yours has been reduced then you are most certainly gaining a fair bit of relief.

If you can, it would be interesting to know your drive shaft angle relative to your pinion.

 

[AFdude412]

Good point.

Reduced caster absolutely helps your CV. And with the amount yours has been reduced then you are most certainly gaining a fair bit of relief.

If you can, it would be interesting to know your drive shaft angle relative to your pinion.

I'll try to get under there tomorrow and check.