Alignment question regarding TSB

I'm getting ready for the leaf TSB and called to ask about the allignment issue (making sure they had all the parts in). The tech said that there may not be a need for alignment after TSB. This does not sound right because of the extra lift in the rear and according to the TSB an alignment comes with the deal. Hopefully, he is correct because the truck drives perfectly (alignment wise). Any info?

thanks, jed

 

On my 2010 the alignment was specified in the TSB. I don't have a copy of the TSB for the 2011 so I don't know for sure on that. I have a 2010 TRD Sport and it only got the leafs since I already had the sport shocks and they did the alignment.

 

Same here. Service writer told me that an alignment was done after the rear springs were replaced. I'm thinking they have to do the alignment to make sure the front and rear wheels track correctly.

 

As a check to make sure the tech didn't do something stupid. If you or I were swapping out our leaf packs, we wouldn't NEED an alignment, but it's a quick check to make sure nothing is out of line. Plus, it's part of the TSB so Toyota should provide the service as required by the bulletin.

 

It isn't possible to align the rear end of a solid axle vehicle: there is nothing to adjust.

 

Had mine done. No issues with alignment. Your only lifting the rear of a solid axle truck, the alignment shouldn't be affected at all as long as everything is assembled correctly in the rear. But if the TSB states an alignment check is to be done, I'd make sure they did it, people make mistakes.

 

No, but you can chuck bad springs.

Possible that there's a concern that changing the weight of the vehicle will move your front control arms down, which, should deflect your toe-in. Question is, has anyone ever had an adjustment made on this alignment check. AND when their springs finally settled, did they do it again?

Or maybe they have adjustable castor.....

 

You need to align the truck because in effect by raining the rear end up you are changing the caster in the front end of the vehicle. Now just the spring TSB "probably" wouldn't be enough to mees anything up. But if you try and drive a vehicle with the caster out of adjustment it either won't turn or it will dart across four lanes of traffic and hit a bus full of kindergarteners causing it to burst into flames etc, etc if you even breathe on the steering wheel

 

I have an 07 and they performed an allignment after the TSB was completed (that was 3 years ago).

As you mentioned, there's a shift of weight (so to speak) and I'm sure it could change the caster or toe. As a precaution, Toyota includes the allignment??? But maybe....over the years, the allignments haven't resulted in many changes to the actual numbers. So - they could've stopped doing them to save money. That's just a guess....

After 3 years with these springs/allingment - I haven't had an allignment since and I haven't noticed any differences. ????

 

Most people don't get alignments nearly as often as they should.. I notice a lot of bad tires on cars that are strictly alignment based. Even on my old tacoma, springs settled and wore the inside of my fronts off in a few months, granted it was a few months driving between texas ny and california and all points inbetween.



If you can get a free alignment .. go for it.

 

Thanks for all the replies.

 

The rear gets lifted an inch-not enough to make a difference in the front end considering one inch over a great length. If the job is done correctly -no issues. I had the tsb done on my 2011. Tech who I know personaly told me that he did check the alignment just for the hell of it and it was perfect.