Caster issues with alignment

I went to the local Firestone and they told me they could not get the caster to budge after using heat and brute force. They told me I need to go to a shop that specializes in front end work because all 4 bolts and nuts will need to be replaced and they didn't want to go any further with possibly damaging something.

The bottom of my truck is rust free, but it has sat most of its life.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

Seized cam adjusters are way too common on all IFS Toyotas. I’ve had to cut out at least 7 seized LCA’s

Also note, the parts are hardened, so they are hard to sawzall through.

You can remove the bolt, grind down the nubs that stick out, spread the frame tabs and pry the LCA’s out.

 

Another thought, how does the truck drive?

While you want more Castor, wider tires and larger offset wheels can help offset the affects of low Castor.

If it drives fine and doesn’t pull, I’d leave it. Camber is good, Toe is close to in spec.

 

It is drifting to the left.

 

As stated, seized cam sleeves are very common and will most likely need cut out and replaced.

They could have at least got the toe in spec before throwing in the towel.

 

Same here on a '98 Calif truck. Except Firestone warned me last time that it they weren't able to adjust it but it was close to spec. That was two years ago. Replacement still on my to-do list. They quoted me a price for replacement at that time but it seemed pretty high and it was only one side. Still thinking of diy can't seem to get enthused about spending that much time on my back on the ground. I'll do both sides whenever I get to it.

Anybody know if oem adjuster boot/cam is preferable to aftermarket? I looked up the toyota part number once but haven't looked any further about other sources for that part.

 

You actually only need to buy 1 of the pieces.

The bolt, and the Cam Nut are salvageable. The Cam Sleeve is what gets seized into the control arm bushing.

I’d just get the piece you need through Toyota. If you buy all 12 new pieces it’s like over $200. The 4 pieces you need are about $90.

At least the last 1st get Tundra and Sequoia I did were that price.

 

That might work in Sunny California but not in my part of the world .

The bolts seize to the sleeve . Till the bolts and sleeves are removed the bushings are destroyed.

Why so many just install new control arms with all new hardware .

In the end many hours of Labor are saved

 

Honestly, I’ve cut out many a control arm, and I haven’t seen the bolts seized.

I’m on the coast as well. But I could see if things get real bad how that could happen.

 

How many times in the Winter do you have liquid brine applied to your roads when even the hint of any weather is called for?? Then once the Ice or snow is on the road Salt applied every few hours.

The thing is your real bad is our normal!! Unless you seen it in person and had to deal with it for a few years it is hard to understand.

Why so many see a vehicle run run away !! I say looks pretty good to me.

 

Get a carbide reciprocating blade. Cuts through the hardened bolts and hardware.

 

I would say its time to replace the LCA, LBJ at the same time as the cam sleeves... you'll have to pull the steering rack, get those bushings too... make sure they torque the cam bolt to spec or you may get that creaking popping sound.