Bent knuckle. What to replace it with? 3rd Gen.

N00b here & 1st post to TW.

I have a 2018 TRD OR. While wheeling on a trail, I hit a large rock that bent my knuckle and has my TCS, Cruise & other things jacked up in the dash display. I took it to my dealer & they told me it is bent. To replace the 1 knuckle with the stuff that goes along with it will run me about $2K at the dealer. I have no ability to do this work, so I can't save money on a DIY. I'm good to pay for this to be done right - but not looking to get screwed in the process.

While researching, I came across a local shop that specializes in Toyota work & mods. He told me the that I should upgrade the knuckles with a 6" BDS lift, as just replacing the 1 bent one, is about 1/2 the price of the lift kit, with coil-overs (Fox). Being new to this world, I am looking to the ones with a greater amount of knowledge in this area. I have seen the knuckle from the kit vs. the OEM one & it is a huge difference. I know there are a lot of people on here that do not care for the DB of the DBS 6" kit. I am not super keen on cutting on the cross-member, tbh.

Is going with the factory knuckle replacement and a 3" or 4" lift the best option? Maybe there is another knuckle replace that I am not aware of. I do need to do something to gain lift, as I am on small tires today & need to run bigger ones.

I don't really care about a mean-looking truck. I want performance. I live in CO, and want to do a lot of off-roading. I would like to run as big as a tire as possible to get the most clearance when hitting our trails. Most of the map guides state that an "aggressive high clearance" & 35" min tires are required. I'd like to run a RTT on my bed as well.

So these are my requirements and issues. I am eager to hear from the community on the best approach going forward.

Thanks

 

I haven't checked, but you should be able to find an aftermarket or used knuckle and I would expect no more than $1000 replacement cost at a reputable shop. There is no need to go to the dealer on that.

Bent parts are a good reason to upgrade, but my god man, you have a 2018 and you already are tearing it up off road, you do realize that adding lift and capability will only encourage more off road use and that means more money, more money, more money. Maybe an off road vehicle would be a better investment?

 

Just find someone on here that is selling their spindles (knuckle) and get them. Find a buddy on here who has tools and learn how to do this yourself. It's way too easy of a job and does not warrant shop prices.

 

Maybe a Wrangler is a better option for me. Been thinking on that too.

 

I have questions:
1. How fast were you going when you hit the rock?
2. Why were you going fast enough to bend shit when there are rocks on the trail?

I have never bent a spindle on the 6 tacomas I've owned and I wheel them hard. You had to have been hauling ass.

 

1. I was riding the brake at about 2 to 3 mph. Hitting the rock stopped me cold. (I am also assuming this is when it got bent) There was no time on the trail I was over 5 mph.
2. Wouldn't think that would be fast enough to do that damage.

 

Swaybar installed?

 

where are you located? If your near WA I have 2 spare knuckles Left and Right

 

A wrangler may be a good investment....but an even better investment would learning how to drive offroad. I hate this happened to ya, especially with a new truck, but given the story, I would think there’s more to it bc that speed, hitting a rock won’t bend a spindle or knuckle. Maybe you left off a “0” after the numbers??? Good luck with the repair.

 

Yes

 

@glorifiedwelder
He gussets spindles

 

Exactly, I need to learn how to drive off-road. Hence the stupid tax I am paying now, and why I am here to learn more.

Definitely didn't leave a "0" off those numbers. Maybe hitting that rock wasn't the culprit, but it was something on that trail.

 

In CO.

Thanks, I may take you up on that if I can't find anything local.

 

If you're around Boulder, I'd hit up Filthy Motor sports for you lift needs.
As far as the spindle, maybe try this guy?
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/total-chaos-gusseted-spindles.379567/

 

Perhaps like the TRD OFFROAD Tacoma he has now?

 

I have a fresh set of 2018 Tacoma straight spindle cores in stock and gusseted, ready to ship if the OP is inable to find a stock set of cores

 

I was thinking that too, but since I'm new here ....

 

If you want 35's you will have to get a 6 inch lift or a 3 inch lift and cut the fenders. My personal choice was 3 inch and cut the fenders. you won't gain anymore ground clearance with a 6 inch drop bracket lift instead of a 3 inch lift. but you have to cut about 2 1/2 off of your fenders and chop the cab mount with a 3 inch lift if you want 35's. I would, but it's up to you if you want to cut up a brand new truck

You will also want to regear and that's not a bad time to add lockers if you don't already have them.

If you want 35's its going to cost a bunch of money either way even if you do all the work yourself

 

Never ever ever offroad with the swaybar installed. I can just about guaranee that the spindle is bent where the swaybar mounts to it. I've seen it happen a few times to other people.

 

You do not have to cut the fenders to fit 35's. See my build page for proof.