Rear axle off center?

Don't know how else to describe it but when I look at my truck from the side, the rear wheel is much closer to the rear portion of the wheel well than it is to the center of the wheel well. I've had this truck for 11 years and first only noticed this a couple of weeks ago.

This is an old picture and not exactly straight on, but you can get the gist. Trust me my eyes are fine, it is definitely off center for sure.

Is this normal for completely stock Tacomas? Something of note, about two years ago I had a shop (my friend's) redo my shocks/struts all the way around

 

I flexed my first gen the other day and buckled the bottom of my left rear. I would say its normal. The right side however sustaind no damage.

 

err.. you have the wrong topper for your truck.

 

Negative

 

Measure from front edge of well to leading edge of tire and rear edge of well to trailing edge of tire?

Without doing so I can all but guarantee the latter measurement will be less than the former.

But I'll do it and report the numbers

(after I go camping this weekend)

 

How do I go about doing that?

btw - thanks Chris, your knowledge is invaluable

 

Then you need to remove your 3rd brakelight for it to fit correctly.
The profile of the camper top does not match the profile of the cab.
There are a few differant models of toppers for first gens.

 

Wow. That looks horrible. Sorry.
And I think th other cap there were referring to has a sharper cut at the bottom and then curves.

 

nm. were not talkin caps.

 

My tires rub on the rear portion of the fenders because the axle is positioned back from center of the wheel wells. I think there are re location kits to move it forward a little but to correct the rubbing (I have 33's BTW)

 

Yup that is normal. I remember reading about this somewhere when I was looking for Deavers. I also remember reading that the Deaver 8 pack will move the rear end slightly forward. How much that is I don't know but I do remember having to kick my rear end foward to get the pin to line up when I put them on.

 

No way! I have the same problem with my truck!



No, but seriously, that was after I ran into a giant rock going way too fast offroad.

I sheared the centering pin, and messed up my leaves royally, but I was still able to unbolt the U-bolts, shove in a new centering pin, reset the pack, and bolt it back together.

Since the U-bolts were bent they slid back on both sides to past where yours are, but the tires still clear under full compression (barely). I'm gonna buy some Old Man Emu Leaf Packs someday, but don't have the time or money lately...

Look at your driveline. It extends, and you can tell by the grease line on the extension part if it has extended recently.

If it's too far back, unload the rear, unbolt the U-bolts, try getting some new centering pins (I just used a bolt and nut that fits...), and/or take ratchet straps and try jamming it forward.

Hope that helps.

 

mine is the same way, it hits the rear of the fender before it even makes it within a inch of the front..