On the SP 700 and 800 the spec's call for 1/8" to 1/4" toe out. Most things want toe in. Anyone understand the reason behind the toe out spec? Seems both of mine were out of spec. Seemed to cause hard steering. It is interesting to note when one backs up the steering seems to get easier. Wonder what would happen with toe in? Has anyone tried toe in, what was the result?

 

While I haven't checked it the toe measurement may change through the suspension travel therefore they give you a spec that keeps it as close to optimum as possible. It may go to a toe-in situation on compressed suspension. Caster angle affects steering effort, positive caster moving forward will be negative caster in reverse hence the difference in steering feel.

 

If you tow out the front end it will be more stable in the corners. The more towed in you have a vehicles front end, the more "trike effect" you will have. If you ever rode a 3 wheeler you know what this means.
Also, slight tow out on a 4X will give you slightly better bite on the front axel.
All of these effects are very small, but they are there.

 

How does toe out effect steering force at the handlebars, compared to toe in?

 

I preffer to be toed in. as it deflects more often than hooks trail side objects.. adverse effects seem to make steering very stiff. toe out logically would make for lighter steering. and on those beasts lighter steer can be a good thing[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Alignment theory

 

VERY interesting read on toe in vs. toe out. Guess the bottom line is experiment. Trying for easy steering force at the handle bars. OneFlyCowboy, do you set yours with toe in?

 

As stated above, a slight tow in will give you slightly easier steering. A slight tow out will give you slightly better handling in the turns. Castor will really make things easy or hard, but I know of no stock quad that you can set that on.

 

I am always toed in. depending on where im gonna ride and the tires I have on. I adjust the severity. I don't care for toe out as it tends to be darty.

 

Your answers and information is just what I hoped to find. Do you toe in the 1/8" to 1/4"? I want to give this a try and your experience is most useful. No need to reinvent the wheel short of thing. Thanks a bunch.