Castor Correction - What is it and how can castor be corrected?

[@jeeb4x4]

MadMatt, i really want to give You credit for really trying to explain the basic of how to build a functional undercarriage to a 4x4. Many will only try, and make experience of errors. I like You way of understanding the physical understanding of things. I'm learning a lot from Your knowledge, therefore I'm getting smarter! Thanks!😃👍

[@MadMatt4WD]

Sir you humble me. Thanks you so much for saying that it really means a lot.

[@australiasian]

was about to buy bushes then decided to youtube first... might save up. thank you for the added confidence and clarity.

[@thewhiteoxoverland]

Nice work matt. We were just recently having this discussion ourselves re the engineering of various components of the steering/ suspension. Caster is important for steering stability and is usually set at around 3 degrees which is a nice balance between predictable and stable handling but without the steering becoming too heavy and cumbersome. For every inch of lift you lose roughly 1.5 degrees of caster angle so you can see that pretty soon once you start going above 2 inches you're going to get into negative caster. Negative caster is not great from a handling perspective unless you correct the caster as your steering becomes over reactive and too light. Quite tiring in fact when driving all but the smoothest roads. Also one of the other lesser known benefits of rolling the diff back to its original orientation is reducing the stress on the propeller shaft and pinion bearings which really don't like operating at steeper angles and are designed to work best when the flange faces are parallel. Incidentally caster can (and should) be corrected in leaf spring vehicles as well by simply adding wedges between the leaf spring and the axle tube. I reckon a lot of people don't think about this when lifting 4wds and probably should so thanks again for raising the subject especially in such a clear and concise manner.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Hey Jade. Thanks for the comment and your're right most people don't correct leaf spring vehicles. You make some excellent points.

[@vytas5584]

I have 2 inch lift on my 80, no castor correction. Long been thinking of getting it and now I will, because I like good steering. Thanks for the advice Matt!

[@MadMatt4WD]

Right on

[@NKPGarage]

The all important caster correction. Fantastic video with easy to understand explanations!!

[@MadMatt4WD]

Thanks mate.

[@Ghostrider-71]

Excellent synopsis and explanation! Thank you for posting.

[@fernandocabral275]

Thank you for all your knowledge Matt

[@MadMatt4WD]

My pleasure!

[@TimsBitsnPieces]

Another great informative video. I have put castor correction bushes into my radius arms, my 80 series has a 3" lift and I'm using mine mainly for touring.

[@MadMatt4WD]

And for touring they'll probably be ok. just keep an eye on the diff mount for cracks

[@danbusey]

Matt I agree, the best solution is new arms that provide the needed caster and also provide adequate tie rod clearance.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Yes mate. My 105 has the Superior Arms.

[@cmdrbroadslide3292]

Welcome to California Matt! I've been a fan of Matt's Off Road for years. Really enjoyed you as a guest there and wanted to ck your InfoChannel..

[@MadMatt4WD]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@larrybreuer4495]

Well said! If you are going to change one part...be prepared to change a whole bunch of other ones!

[@MadMatt4WD]

Yep

[@bedmaker]

Great video Matt. You explained it in simple terms and gave us some good alternative solutions.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Glad it was helpful!

[@andrewheadland50]

Thank Matt I've put a 2" lift in my 80 & ive notice it's not quite right, even after a wheel alignment. I was told it will be ok but I'm not convinced, so I was looking at the best way as I won't be doing any hard core flexing but still want functionality when I do go wheeling cheers

[@MadMatt4WD]

Glad to help

[@fordfalcon85]

Hi Matt, love your channel. It would be great if you could do the occasional Q&A video with your mechanical background and love of 4wds. I would have a few questions about my 1979 Hilux.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Hey Chris, I have done the occasional live Q&A on different things. Usually on my FB page. If you're based in Australia shoot me an email with your mobile and I'll give you a call and see what I can do to help you. [e-mail]

[@willtomlinson4774]

Great explanation and analogies👍🏽

[@jackfourbee3609]

Another awesome vid Matt. Well informed. This is something a lot of people over look when doing a small lift. Keep up the good work 👍

[@MadMatt4WD]

Thanks so much

[@lawrenceproctor8613]

Great vid Matt I have never seen any vids from Superior or Jmacx that explain castor correction this well. They might sell might some more radius arms now 😄

[@MadMatt4WD]

Thanks mate.

[@Bigun35]

Thanks Matt great information for someone learning about this. 👍

[@MadMatt4WD]

Glad I could help

[@Lochsa89]

Thanks for this very intuative explanation.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Pleasure

[@martinbyrne6643]

I built rallycars and we set up the live axles on rose joints , u could use heavy duty rod ends and they have threaded adjustments and they move left and right and no axle wind up that u get with rubber bushings

[@MadMatt4WD]

Interesting.

[@mitchellcourtney1660]

Hi Matt how things I did the bush ones my 80 drive very nice I like the video spot on

[@MadMatt4WD]

Great 👍

[@JRproductionsnz]

Great explanation! Thanks very much Matt.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Pleasure

[@NAT-xv1hs]

Awesome Analysis

[@MadMatt4WD]

Thanks!

[@wesleygoldstone4770]

New arms are best but if you a pleb like me you got to make a plan. I really like the washer trick.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Yep

[@drivingparadox]

Thanks. I would feel more comfortable with cracked radius arms.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Ok why's that? I'm not keen on parts of my vehicle failing when I'm driving.

[@drivingparadox]

MadMatt 4WD oops, meant cranked radius arms 😇

[@MadMatt4WD]

😂😂😂 LOl i can usually read though typos but you. had me completely baffled. Yes arms are the best solution.

[@christianlawson7831]

Very informative! Thanks!

[@MadMatt4WD]

Glad it was helpful!

[@darrenwilson408]

Excellent video and very informative. Personally, I preferer to go with a bearing kit to correct the castor on lifts up to about 2 or 3 inches, after that I cut-out the welds holding the steering knuckle to the diff housing, then rotate the knuckle back to the desired castor, before rewelding them back in place. It's inexpensive, and eliminates any problems with the diff being out of factory alignment, like torn mounts, bent tie rods, or constantly flogged out uni joints...

[@MadMatt4WD]

Thanks. That’s a very good way to do it although way out of most people’s capacity.

[@garywoodard5759]

every method you mention affects pinion angle --- set pinion angle, then adjust castor by turning the knuckle on the axle housing...its really the only way to correctly set pinion & castor. requires welding & planning, but ultimately is worth the effort.

[@MadMatt4WD]

I agree for big lifts or race cars but for a normal 4wd there’s other ways to mange it that are a lot easier and cheaper. The unis still last well with a 2-4” lift.

[@29Automotive]

Castor plates can do the same bending of the Tie Rod also. I have them in my 80 , and they touch on full flex. But not enough to do alot of damage. Still my preferred method of castor correction though 👍

[@MadMatt4WD]

Yes I agree. It's not a bad method.

[@rob45x]

Loving your videos mate! I went the castor bush route but if money wasn't an issue, then I'd have some superior arms in mine for sure.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Cool. Just keep an eye on the diff mounts for cracking.

[@rob45x]

@@MadMatt4WD yeah will do. Its not an extreme offroader. Mainly a daily, some caravan work and occasional offroad.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Comment below with your thoughts on correcting castor. Another video you maybe interested in is Polyurethane vs Rubber Bushes kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmbdqKKmfJ54bKc were I talk about these 2 common solutions for our 4x4s, but each are horses for courses.

[@czuifo]

Matt very useful sir, thank you

[@MadMatt4WD]

You are welcome

[@grantlaing9281]

good vid, be good to have a follow up one on ifs vehicles

[@MadMatt4WD]

We'll see how we go

[@rajdindial6740]

Love the vid man ... Do I need to castor a 2" lift...besides the highway will it affect off road driving ?

[@MadMatt4WD]

It depends but often you need to

[@jcarry5214]

Hi Matt. Enjoying the videos here in America. Do you have any videos comparing different types of locker/LSD systems? Or on making do with open diffs and where/how that's alright? Didn't find any but YT doesn't often give the most relevant results, thought I'd check. Would love to hear your thoughts if you have any. Keep up the good work.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Hey, No I don't but I should do one I think. This is a friend of mine who touches on the subject. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5-8i6JjYpyLnpY

[@jcarry5214]

@@MadMatt4WD Thanks! Of course there are plenty of opinions out there already but they almost always merge on "ARB, front and rear, every time or stay home". You're more interested in educating and weighing all pros and cons which is why I think you should do something. Lately I'm wondering if what we call "posi" over here, the classic clutch-based limited slip, is a viable alternative at all to selectable lockers. I've had a couple cars with it that were fantastic in snow and mud but wonder how far off pavement that goes. Just an example. Thanks again!

[@MadMatt4WD]

Thanks for the vote of confidence. A limo is limited. (ya see what i did there) :) Personally a selectable locker is the best I know off and a limo is not even close to comparing. I'll put this video on the list.

[@goodtimes3941]

thanks for education.

[@MadMatt4WD]

My pleasure

[@gggrichard1]

Great video. If I purchased the castor correct radius will I need castor correction bushing. I think not but asking anyway for a second opinion.

[@MadMatt4WD]

If you buy the arms you don't need the bushes.

[@gggrichard1]

Awesome. Thanks for taking a minute out of your time and responding.

[@markholtan5696]

Great info 👍👍👍

[@MadMatt4WD]

Thanks mate

[@attadauhajre4194]

Extraordinary video!!! Very informative, but I have one question. What is the factory or correct degrees of an 80 series castor, so I know how much I should drop the control arm with a drop box? I am planing to install 5” suspension so I can put some 37.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Thanks. I don’t know the numbers for drop boxes as thats not my preferred way to gain castor. For that lift I do suggest you look at replacing the arms.

[@attadauhajre4194]

@@MadMatt4WD thanks for your suggestion. Keep doing great videos like this!!

[@aussieadventurestimetoplay]

What about the Fortuner rear. I can feel a slight shift . Tried bushes but a new radius arm seems likely

[@MadMatt4WD]

Couldn't comment. But certainly check the bushes.

[@uNabL3]

What about correcting the caster angle with relation to the new pinion angle when you lift your truck? Or what's the solution there? Double cardan?

[@MadMatt4WD]

Yes a carden if it’s needed. Depends how big your going. Most lifts don’t need it.

[@johnfitzgerald5158]

Hi Matt, great vid. Castor or caster? Here in the US it's caster. Not sure if it is one of those Oz things.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Thanks mate. Caster is one of those American things LOL. We actually used both versions in the description so SEO would pick up either spelling. See we look after you Americans. LOL

[@johnfitzgerald5158]

@@MadMatt4WD haha. I like how you turned that one around. I guess the Queen's English was first...lol.

[@JTuggy_MissionFrmGlobalMargins]

Matt, I have an OME 2inch(ish) lift on my 78 prado cruiser. Steering is at least ok, but body roll is bad. Does castor correction have any part in side-to-side body roll? I have toyota oem bushings, 'cause I've heard repeatedly that they correction bushings do not last, and I work my suspension hard here in Uganda. On the other hand, I thought the castor plates were for higher lifts, in the 4+ range? I'd rather not do the washer fix, because that locks me in to this ride height and you have to guess right the first time, unless you break out the welder all over again. Advice?

[@MadMatt4WD]

Caster is more about steering feel. Look at your sway bar setup for sway control. Also are your spring rates right for the weight? If the springs are to soft they can’t carry the load.

[@ravichalla1508]

Hi mates I need u r suggestion regarding outlander non adjustable casters. A wheel alignment place in the process of fixing crook steering wheel I think they messed up casters. Which made rider hard and bumpy, and I changed the suspension but steering is chambering left and right and and steering return is aggressive even after doing wheel alignment 8 times. Can you please give me u r suggestion. Thanks mate

[@MadMatt4WD]

It’s impossible to help unless I had the vehicle to work with. Try some different specialist mechanics.

[@4lownslow]

What are the bearings called that will give you a little offset caster ?

[@MadMatt4WD]

I’m actually not sure of the proper name but talk to your bearing supplier.

[@joshuajansen9115]

hey matt, I've just put some hyperflex arms on my car that have been set for 2-3 inch. will I have much trouble going up to a 4 inch ?

[@MadMatt4WD]

You may get away with it. Have a go and see.

[@JTuggy_MissionFrmGlobalMargins]

BTW, love your videos and am sorry about your brother. I'll be sure to meet him someday beyond the veil (you can introduce me, we'll have time...)

[@MadMatt4WD]

Mate love the heart. The three of us can go wheeling ay.

[@kevinsummersford4112]

Hey Matt my 05 105 Landcruiser wagon has a 3inch lift it hasn't got the return to center damptner only an TJM xgs gold damptner and I'm running the the GXL 8 inch STEEL rims and it drives like a 100 series with s 2inch lift would i need castor corrections or not so far I've had no issues what's your thoughts

[@MadMatt4WD]

You're steering damper won't really be dealing with incorrect castor which you will have if nothings been done to correct it. I would suggest if i drove your vehicle i would find the steering vague and the cornering unpredictable. You have probably got used to it being wrong and until you drive one that's correct you won't notice it.

[@kevinsummersford4112]

Cheers Matt I'll see if I get anything when I next drive the car🙂

[@AL-ru3nk]

I have a 1998 wrx and having problems with the car veering the left and right when driving straight. Also feels like the car is on roller skates and all over the road. Ive had front lower control arms done, front struts, 3 wheel alignments and balance and still hasnt fixed the problem. Ive now been told that the left castor may be bent and because subaru castors cannot be adjusted and replacing it is so expensive so the mechanic has suggested castor correction mounts. Do you think this will fix the issue of the car terrible tracking or could there be another issue at play here. Also veering hard right when braking as well...thanks

[@MadMatt4WD]

Hey. I'm not at all familiar with the WRX setup but to answer your question all the settings need to be correct for the car to drive right.

[@richardreti1086]

Help please,does the four link suspension set up can be caster corrected?

[@MadMatt4WD]

Yes a 4 link can be.

[@shanumavilayil2398]

Dear Mad Matt, my LC76 has a pulling towards right, I adjusted the arm and the alignment reading for caster is 4 left and 3.9 right. Still its pulling right, I am really dissatisfied and to keep always a pressure for steadiness. Any possible way to fix this issue

[@MadMatt4WD]

Your castor is more about the sensitivity of the steering rather than the pulling to left or right. So check your toe in and toe out and check the Camber of the wheels. Also make sure the tyre pressures are correct. also make sure none of the brakes or wheel bearings are dragging.

[@shanumavilayil2398]

@@MadMatt4WD Thanks 👍

[@Steddywelly]

Hey mate so if I do the washer mod, how do I spot it bending the tie rod ? Cheers

[@MadMatt4WD]

It won't bend Because the tie rod is a ball joint and has enough scope to deal with what your doing.

[@DonHavjuan]

Mate caster is the last of your problems there. The biggest problem is someone stole the whole top of your car. In a patrol you can also use a spacer at the chassis end to push the arm forward without dropping it down.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Lol. Is that whats wrong. Yes the patrols are different with the pin end.

[@basharathussain5565]

Lovely boss

[@MadMatt4WD]

Thanks mate

[@basharathussain5565]

I want to up lift my land cruiser 80 series 1997 vx 1hdft at home ,but I'm a bit confused for a 2 inch lift with iron men kit is it important to correct caster and what is the function of adjustable Panhard road why not the stock one?need your guidance sir

[@MadMatt4WD]

@@basharathussain5565 hey mate for only 2” lift you don’t need to do castor correction unless you find the steering goes to vague after you’ve fitted the suspension. Generally they’re fine at 2” but from there up they don’t work as well and need correction. The panard will be fine. It’s job is to bring the diff back to centre because when you lift the truck the diff swings on the panard to the side and this is no good.

[@basharathussain5565]

@@MadMatt4WD thanks I will try it by myself and will let you know.

[@outbacknomad9939]

Now I know way they call him mad matt lol weld on washers weld up old holes thort I was the only one that did that

[@MadMatt4WD]

We’re like brothers I think.

[@adrianlarge2178]

What about independent suspension....

[@MadMatt4WD]

Completely different set up although the Castor principle is the same.

[@adrianlarge2178]

Yeah is it as simple as changing the upper control arm???

[@MadMatt4WD]

I couldn't comment. It can be achieved many different ways for different vehicles. Go to a quality 4wd shop.

[@adrianlarge2178]

@@MadMatt4WD no worries mate keep up the good work

[@alexsteel8167]

Greetings matt, which lift is suitable for a bundy, 2 inch or 3 inch?

[@MadMatt4WD]

I have 2” body 1” suspension. You don’t want to go too high or they’re too tippy

[@alexsteel8167]

@@MadMatt4WD could a 33 inch tyre fit without any issues? Greetings from Malaysia

[@MadMatt4WD]

I run 33" with no worries.

[@Mosesk1988]

No care for castor, just wanna see that turbo 1fz go up a mud hill 💦💦 Run drop boxes here. 3inch lift. Drives mint.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Drop boxes work for sure.

[@danbusey]

Until they hang up on a nasty rock. ☺

[@Mosesk1988]

@@danbusey never had a problem tbh, even 200series and 79s mounts hand low asfuck stock

[@MadMatt4WD]

Yes Dan as I say in the video the main reason I would't run them. I have enough trouble with the front mounts on the rear arms.

[@duggydo]

If you don't have balanced caster, the vehicle will pull to the side with more.

[@MadMatt4WD]

I'm not sure why you wouldn't have balanced castor.

[@duggydo]

@@MadMatt4WD It happens more in independent suspension vehicles, but can in solid axle rigs like you have if they get roughed up on the trail or they modify the suspension. People especially need to realize the importance of making sure they balance the castor if they start modifying it like you talked about. If it's not balanced (more on one side than the other) it will pull. Sometimes severely.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Ok yes I see what you mean. I would think something would have to be twisted for a live axle vehicle to be unbalanced. Tanks for clarifying.

[@fernandocabral275]

First

[@MadMatt4WD]

Winner winner chicken dinner LOL

[@davouchi1]

Thanks for the video but PLEASE stop calling it the covid 80. Im so sick of hearing that word.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Sorry mate I'm Australian and if something ticks us off we make fun of it and this is my way of giving Covid the finger.

[@davouchi1]

@@MadMatt4WD 🤣 i get that , im an aussie too.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Nice. Sorry it's annoying you but it will be staying but I hope you can see why I'm calling it that now. Covid has cost me a huge amount of money so it's not in my good books.

[@alakran4x4overland]

Hi! Does this apply to the rear axle too?

[@MadMatt4WD]

Not generally

[@alakran4x4overland]

@@MadMatt4WD Thanks a million man, I'm planning to raise 2 cm more my jimny JB43, now has a Raptor +6 and special radius arms so probably will take two more cm with no hassle. What's your opinion about it. Thank you for your videos, they really help a lot. 👍

[@MadMatt4WD]

@@alakran4x4overland I can't really comment as I've not done that conversion. You'll have to figure it out as you go along.

[@alakran4x4overland]

@@MadMatt4WD OK I will tackle that job soon, and I'll let you know how it went 👍