leaning stance

I was trtying to get my dealer to correct the Leaf Spring/Tailgate TSB's on my 2006 Prerunner 4dr TRD Off Road and they said that I had the correct stuff (even thouggh there is only 3 leaf leaf springs on it) so they would not fix it. Anyway, I asked them if it is normal for the truck to appear like it is lower at the driver side front than anywhere else. The truck looks like it does not sit level. He said that all Tacoma's do this and there is nothing I could do. Is this true? Also my truck has always seemed to fight me while driving down the freeway. I chalked this up as following the rain grooves here in San Diego. What does anyone else think?

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld.

Tacomas are known for being just a bit lower on the drivers side but it's not usually enough to worry about. As for the TSB call Toyota customer care and complain that the truck rides bad and bottoms out when loaded.

 

Yep... its the Tacoma lean

 

You guys are kidding right? Is this another 2nd gen woe (I'm asking seriously)? My truck sits level at all 4 sides.luckily, that kind of stuff drives me insane! Hell i get all uptight if the wheel is a little off center! I understand all about build tolerances, but to put up with a 'leaning stance' to the degree described by doopsX3? No way man-I'd be on it hard until they correct it. What causes it? The rear leafs?

 

I don't remember where, but i read that it kinda has more weight on the drivers side....thats why it leans that way....

 

It's called "wedge". All race cars use it to some degree.

 

Wow that's odd to me 'cause I know one of the first rules of vehicle building 101 is to balance dry weight components E.G.-fuel tank on one side, exhaust system on the other....

 

yea... maybe it was all bs... but who knows...

 

It can be reconciled a bit by an adjustable front suspension. Bilstein 5100s are popular with the rear leaf TSB. There are plenty of other companys that make adjustable front coilovers depending on how far you want to take it. You can level it out and if it gets worse or when the shocks begin to wear, adjust it again.

 

ALL Tacoma's do this. How much of lean though varies. Remember, on the driver side you have the entire gas tank, battery, and other heavy components. Add that to the fact the front end of the truck is already lower than the rear due to the factory rake and suddenly your driver side front is the lowest part of your vehicle.

 

The fix...right hand drive setup....a bit expensive but will fix the problem

Cheaper solution, adjustable coil-overs!

 

I heard/read the Taco lean is because of the Hilux, an overseas version of the Taco where the driver sits on the right. As a result the battery and gas tank are put on the left to offset this weight.

True or not, I don't know but I guess it makes sense.

 

Da hui-mine does not lean,like I said. But mine's a 2001. Maybe I got lucky

 

+1 that does make a lot of sense...but look at my photos- it don't lean atall

 

Jesus that would be weird shifting with your left hand.

Are the gears still in the same pattern (1st on left side, 6th on right side)?

 

Lousy Gen 1 folks have all the luck! >>>>>>

 

I used to have a Gen 1 truck (hence the name 99TRD). When I was looking at replacing the springs, the guy told me there was a driver side and a passenger side spring because of the fuel tank. They have the same thing.