Where to start on repair?

This is a bad picture, however I will get better ones for you guys tomorrow. The question is, from what you guys can see, what is causing this crazy camber? The taco hit a curb at higher speeds and the suspension is not seeming to match up. It seems the upper ball joint is out of place, so would replacing the upper control arm be beneficial to bringing back the life of an alignment? Could the steering knuckle be bent? What would be the first part you would replace? What would be your first move to bring the alignment of this taco back to life? I also do understand taking it to an actual certified mechanic is an option. However, I am asking behalf of tackling this job individually. The Tacoma can not move due to the tire rubbing on the upper ball joint area at the top of the steering knuckle. Any amounts of information would be appreciated.

 

Knuckle (aka "spindle") looks to be bent. Known weak point with our trucks when going off road with oversized tires, let alone hitting a curb at speed.

Rock Auto sells the knuckles at reasonable prices. There's a CV axle seal on the inside of the knuckle that needs to be bought separately. Also get new cotter pins for the upper ball joint, tie rod, and axle nut.

 

Is bending the knuckle back an option?, just to get the taco to move around. If so, any tips on bending knuckles?

 

If you have access to a hydraulic press, probably. Don't think anyone has done it before and documented it. A lot of disassembly just to get to a point where you can limp to a shop though.

 

Youve also got a decent amount of toe out. Pull the tie rod and roll it around to see if its bent also.

Jack up that front tire and see if it will spin by hand when its drooping. If there was enough side load at impact it could have jacked up the knuckle inside the CV axle boot. If ifs messed up, it will sound/feel like a bag of marbles inside the boot

 

Have it towed to a shop. If your knuckle is bent that bad there's a good chance it's been weakened. A local tow shouldn't cost that much, less if you have a friend who belongs to the Auto Club and lets you use one of their free tows.

 

dang sweet stance

 

You mean YOU hit a curb..... new suspension

 

Make sure the wheel isnt bent and watch out for issues with the steering rack. All that force has to go someplace. look at the upper and lower a-arm mounting bolts and see if something shifted there. I would pull both wheels and run a strait edge from the rotors up and measure the knuckle at several points comparing to the other side. If bent replace it why do the job twice. As for straighten it once you bend metal is is far easier to bend it again I wouldn't count that as an option with the steering knuckle. Once done you gotta go to the professional to get it aligned anyway.

 

I'm going to say the unpopular thing and recommend you file an insurance claim.

That's what its for. You'll be repaired correctly and quickly, and you won't have to worry about what part to throw at it next.

 

Bent spindle. Bent UCA. Can't straighten either component. Good luck.

 

I have to disagree vehemently here. The only way you will ever have really low insurance rates (which will allow you to afford high insurance coverages) is by not having any reported incidents like this.

Pay for this out of your pocket. It is going to bite you in the ass with paying your deductible and increased monthly insurance payments.

Insurance should be used for catastrophic incidents, especially ones that impact your ability to work and make money. The best strategy is to get the lowest available monthly insurance and max out the coverage to the most you can afford. That way if you ever get whacked big time and it is a life altering event, you will be covered.

*Edit: I agree that the steering knuckle (which the whole suspension connects to) is probably bent to shit. Take some time to lay under the truck and inspect all the components. Post better pictures and we will be able to advise you better on what is bent.

 

sick camber bro

jk. that sucks man

 

If the damage is limited to replaceable components like spindle, UCA, steering rods, etc Id aggrege. If the damage extends further into areas like the coil bucket / UCA mounting points, then that may be a significantly larger issue.

For what its worth you'll be able to pick up a set of OEM UCAs on here for cheap. Guys replace them with aftermarket all the time and sell for cheap

 

I highly doubt if insurance has a "dumb driver" clause that covers items like "hit a curb at higher speeds". This is all on the owner's wallet.

Somehow, some way get it to a front end shop for estimates. There easily could be multiple components that are FUBARd besides the knuckle.

 

Does this also apply to home owner's insurance? I have some termite damage and my contractor said to see if my insurance would cover it. My thinking is my premium is going to skyrocket if I take out a claim to cover under 10k worth of damage. I'm not smart enough to do the math myself

 

This is why you don't let your girlfriend, wife, whatever drive your truck OP.

 

If you have collision insurance, it does actually cover collisions with cars or otger objects. Whether it be a tree, post, curb, rock, etc.

 

Agreed. Although, the driver has the responsibility to mitigate damage.

In other words, the owner is not covered when purposefully running into a tree.

There is only 1 way a curb can cause a collision.........the driver has to run into the curb.

 

Generally, people are insured against making mistakes. If you screw up, you are insured, even if it’s slamming into a curb you could have otherwise avoided if you were paying attention. They would have to prove you did it on purpose.