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.

 

[AFdude412]

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.

Here’s my kinda unscientific measurement via my iPhone leveling app. I also have 1.2° of slope to my garage floor.

18 pinion, 27 driveshaft. -1.2 for the driveway slope

 

[archerwolf]

My 2024 Grenadier was also delivered with 0 deg caster. The steering has been fine so I have not changed it. I'm not lifted and on original driveshafts. The driveshaft boots are in good condition still after 24,000 miles with a good amount of offroad. Perhaps the 0 degrees of caster contributes to driveshaft boot longevity.

 

[C-Mack]

Curious if it would be possible to use spacers to lower the transfer case subframe a bit and gain some relief for the front CV? It would most likely cause issues in the engine bay with firewall/component clearance with the drivetrain leaning back more but maybe some aftermarket mounts could be made to lower the engine slightly to compensate? For what you may lose in drivetrain height for folks with lifts and taller tires it might be a worthwhile compromise for more CV longevity?

 

[Dokatd]

Curious if it would be possible to use spacers to lower the transfer case subframe a bit and gain some relief for the front CV? It would most likely cause issues in the engine bay with firewall/component clearance with the drivetrain leaning back more but maybe some aftermarket mounts could be made to lower the engine slightly to compensate? For what you may lose in drivetrain height for folks with lifts and taller tires it might be a worthwhile compromise for more CV longevity?

That will only increase the T-case angle. Not much at all if lowering is done within reason, but it will nonetheless.

 

[C-Mack]

That will only increase the T-case angle. Not much at all if lowering is done within reason, but it will nonetheless.

Agreed, that’s why I mentioned you’d probably need aftermarket front engine mounts in order lower the engine/trans/transfer case down evenly. I’m not even sure you could get the whole drivetrain down enough to put the front driveshaft at a better angle without other complications.

Just trying to look at the problem from a different perspective which potentially could be done by owners rather than waiting for IA to do something about an issue they won’t even acknowledge.

 

[Dokatd]

Agreed, that’s why I mentioned you’d probably need aftermarket front engine mounts in order lower the engine/trans/transfer case down evenly. I’m not even sure you could get the whole drivetrain down enough to put the front driveshaft at a better angle without other complications.

Just trying to look at the problem from a different perspective which potentially could be done by owners rather than waiting for IA to do something about an issue they won’t even acknowledge.

Better to drop just the engine itself