Just got my alignment done. Shop said they were not able to get less caster and hit the other numbers.
2003 with 450/300 spring and ELBJs. I have power steering, so I'm hoping this will be ok. Was hoping for 3.5*

Front
4.5" pinch weld height
-2.5* camber
6.3* caster
0" total toe

Rear
4.75" pinch weld height
-2.0* camber
1/8" total toe

 

I have found 5* caster works well (actually 4.75*). I’m nearly same as you, except 1” higher, which I find works well for those “soft” rates.

Can you post pictures of the (4) front adjusters? I can’t understand that he cannot get less caster.

DNM

 

The ELBJs with so little camber is going to end up with high-ish caster numbers. You didn't need them for those camber numbers.

 

I tried to get that camber without the ELBJs and softer springs (slightly higher height).
I was replacing upper and lower ball joints, and tie rod ends. ELBJs seemed like the right decision since I was replacing everything.

Should I run more camber? The car is mostly autocross, but I like to drive it on the street when the weather is nice.

 

I paid for the car this morning and picked up the keys. I'll drive it home later tonight when it's dark, since I don't have the front bumper on currently.
Working on building a small splitter and I couldn't get the car on the trailer with the bumper anyway.

He told me to change the caster would change the camber. I just took his word for it, I don't know anything about it, which is why I posted here.

 

I'd just leave it. As long as the steering doesn't bug you, there's really no big issue with running that much caster. I run a lot more than that on mine.

 

Agree with Concealer on just leaving it, as you have P/S.

 

Thanks guys. I had a feeling it would be fine, just wanted to double check.
Would be easier to have changes made now, than to drive it home and regret it later.

 

I'll add my , I'm in the same boat with my car. -2.5 / -2 camber front / rear and ~ 5" pinch welds with ELBJ's for the same reason as you. I think I'm at 6.5* caster with PS and it drives fine, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

Just for another data point in this thread, with a manual rack I found high caster to be result in a very heavy steering feel. Dropped from 7.2° caster down to 5.2° and the car feels much better. Running 3.2° front and 3.0° rear camber

 

I drove the car home Monday night and it felt great. The stiffer springs actually feel much better than the softer springs they replaced.
I'll have to get used to the increased road noise from the 200TW tires, but the car handles very well and doesn't bottom out in the rear anymore.

Just have to install the new radiator, finish the splitter, and reinstall the front bumper. Feels good.

 

Hmmm. I'm replacing all bushings now. When I have it re-aligned, I may INCREASE my caster. For Science.