front Alignment & Lower Control Arms

Hi All, I need a little advice. I have a 2nd Gen (2005), and I've got two questions:

First. I just replaced both of my CV joints and had my Icon coilovers rebuilt. I took it in to a local tire shop for a pre-paid alignment afterwards and I was told that they couldn't do the alignment because both of my LCAs needed to be replaced. Of course they wanted to do the work and to charge me $850 for it. My question is; do the LCAs play a role in the alignment of the tires? I am running 285 BFG All Terrains on it. I can change the LCAs myself if need.

Second: With stepping up from 275 to the 285 tires I ended up with a slight tire rub issue in the front corner drivers side. I am currently trying to sort that out as well. I have 2.5 Icon COs, 1/4 spacer on top of the driver's side to level it out, and .5" wheel spacers. l am thinking I can resolve this by adjusting the CO or go with a little taller spacers. If I have to replace the LCAs is there a different LCA than the OEM spec that could help out here? I'm not looking to spend a bunch as I plan to keep it only another year or two, and it is not getting out in the dirt as much as it used too either.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

If ur over 3” lift I would get new ucas not lcas but yes lcas have to do with alignment they have the alignment cams associated with them.

 

Yes. The lower control arms have adjustment cams.
They are know to seize in the control arms.
They can be hard to get out when this happens.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...t-2005-tacoma-4x4.176250/page-14#post-7658474

 

Thank you Thuguon2.7. I appreciate the quick response.

 

No problems

 

Thanks TnShooter. Are you saying that it could be due to seized adjustment cams and I may be able to fix by resolving that rather than replacing LCAs?

Also appreciating the quick response

 

Depends on a few things.
The actual reason they need to be replaced?
Is it seized bolts or bad bushings.

Some guys have literally had to cut the bolts out.
Which usually means you need new bushings by the time you get them out.
And the bushings can be just about as bad to replace.

I have decided if this happens to me.
I’m buying new control arms. And they probably won’t be OEM.
Because they are expensive. (Although the OEM a probably better)

Here are a few things to read

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lower-control-arm-seized.216629/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lca-bolt-and-sleeve-that-becomes-seized.489226/

 

I’m guessing they said you need LCA’s replaced because the bolts are seized.

$850 is high though. I just did mine this weekend.
You need to add the bolts, but here’s what I paid for new LCA’s. This includes the bushings and lower ball joint.



edit: but if you’re only keeping the truck for another year or two, Moog LCA’s will be fine and much much cheaper.

 

Thanks Thuguon2.7, TNShooter, and Naveronski. You guys gave me the answers I need.

You Rock!