I just installed the Readylift 2.5" kit on my '18 and also installed the 2 degree Carli caster shims on both sides. I believe these are equivalent as SPC 23228. After leveling the steering feel is just about the same as before.

The one issue that I noticed is the truck slightly pulls to the right following the road crown. It's not severe but it's there. Truck used to drive very straight before the leveling kit so the pull has to be from the 2.5" lift. I have not changed the wheels or tires yet.

I have not done alignment so I dont know the caster numbers but I want to get it to drive right before getting the alignment. Could this slight pull possibly be due to the passenger caster number equal or smaller than the caster on the driver side? I thinking if I should just increase the caster on the passenger side and see how it drives. I saw a lot of other folks did the 2.3/2.6 deg (SPC 23268 Cam +.50 / Cas +2.3; 23269 Cam +.30 / Cas +2.6) so I'm thinking to give them a shot.

It seems I have two options:

1. Just switch the passenger Carli 2.0 deg bushing to the 2.3 deg one so essentially I'm adding 0.3 more. Hopefully it will just solve the problem. If it still pulls to the right, then switch to the 2.6 one?
2. Switch both sides to 2.3 and 2.6, so left +0.3 and right +0.6.

I wanted to try Option 1 but just wanted to make sure it makes sense. The instruction from SPC says to install the 2.3 one on the driver side and 2.6 on the passenger side. Would it be OK to install the 2.3 one on the passenger side? I figure 2.3 is 2.3 so it shouldn't matter which side it's on?

 

if you want to try and correct that right pull, put more. castor in the right wheel. I would try the 2.3 first and see how it rides. if that corrects the pull and you feel you want more caster, then go to step 2. This process can be a little bit of trial and error to see how it drives and feels.

 

whats the reason for raising the front? if its a work truck the rear end will sag badly now

 

You are now chasing a ghost.... Get the truck to an alignment shop that specializes in heavy duty trucks... Going to an auto shop will just continue your grief.

Hobo

 

I tried the 2.6 degree one on the right side first to replace the 2.0 degree Carli and it fixed the right pull. Then I put the 2.3 one on the left side and everything is as good as stock now. I should've gone with the 2.3/2.6 bushing combo at the first place but who knows. These bushings are a bit painful to replace since the coil springs are in the way for a good angle to hammer. I also picked up a 2-lb brass hammer which helped big time so the threads on the ball joint bolt are not messed while the bolt is hammered to break them loose. Next I'll get an alignment to fix the toe and see where I'm currently at on the caster.

 

Glad it worked out and yes I know what a PITA it is to change them out, I did it multiple times.

Just for future reference, I wouldn't hit the top of the bolt to get the bushings out. I would hit the side of the axle where the caster sleeve slides in. Hitting that part will work the bushing up and not potentially damage that balljoint bolt.

Let us know where your caster ended up after the alignment.

 

Curious to know if an alignment is required if just changing the castor bushings. I want to increase the angle on my 2020 non-lifted truck to tighten up the loose steering a bit.

 

I think it would be recommended but if you changed both sides by the same degree, you should be ok...I would imagine toe might change slightly.

 

Just an update to this thread. Finally got the alignment done. Left Caster: 3.5 deg. Right Caster: 4.0 deg. The shop only needed to adjust the toe. These 2.3/2.6 deg bushings nailed it.

 

Do these caster bushings affect stock camber settings any ?

 

Depending on the bushing, some do have different camber alignment.

 

what were your camber readings?

 

Also with those spc bushings shown above are the installed with the slit in the bushing facing the rear? I’m experiencing the same issue. I have the carli bushings with a slight pull to the right.

 

I think Carli counters this with their charged steering stabilizer which counters what they call radial pull. Personally I'd rather have the 2.3/2.6 bushing

 

yea I’m learning that now. 😂. I’m just trying to figure out if these install the same way or I need the alignment machine. Our machine is older than dirt and gonna scratch the hell out of my wheels. I was also curious to know the camber readings.