Rear Axle problems??

Hi, I have a 1997 Toyota Tacoma 2.7 4wd. I don’t know if this is even a problem, but I just wanted to be safe. My rear axle seems to be favoring the rear, and the wheels seem to be close to the mud flaps, but it could just be that I have different wheels and tires on. My leafs and all look good underneath. It just seems like something could be wrong. Photo is attached. Any info helps, thanks

 

Any work been done to the rear leafs or axle…

 

Not that I know of. The rear shocks are pretty new, but I have only had the truck for about 2 months. I don’t know what all has been done haha

 

Take pix of the shackles
The U shaped fastener that goes over the leafs on front and rear of the axle
Bet you can see movement/witness marks on the top leafs

 

I should also add that the truck is smooth over bumps and tracks very well on the road

 

Great pix

Shackles have not moved
Hmmmmmmm

 

Just to make sure
Can u check your gaps both sides with an object
Kinda like this…..




Just to be sure
Also to confirm which side is off

 

Just checked the gaps (couldn’t upload the photos for some reason) but they seem to be exactly the same. I don’t know if I should even be concerned??

 

Is this a 97 or a 98? Got a picture of the grill? I don’t recall the 95-97 models having that fender flare but I might be wrong. Just thinking making it’s actually a different bed or something? Here’s a few of my 2004. Pretty similar in how it is offset.

 

Maybe not
If gaps are same both sides…..your not crab walking….no bad sounds….no uneven tire wear

does look like wheels kicked back thou


The only other part to inspect would be the hangers (2 each side) but again if same gaps both sides…..hangers should be fine like those U shackles

if really worried
You can go to alignment shop
Tell them to hang lasers only
And show you the rear readings
(There is no adjustment on solid rear axles)
But can show if axle is crooked


If you shake the crap the rear end by grabbing the bed
Side to side
Front to back
Anything weird happens? Sounds or klunk?

 

Any wrecks on vin#? I dont know what the bed gap between cab and bed should be but looks like a dent in the cab from bed? Maybe got rearended and moved bed forward

 

I had a 4 wheel alignment done at Les Schwab about 2 weeks ago, and they said it was the tightest Tacoma they had driven in a while haha! When I shake the bed nothing happens, just feels pretty tight. To reply to ztwatson… Yes it is a 97, I think the previous owner added those fender flares from another Tacoma, because they fit so well on each fender and look pretty good lol but that was a really good guess.

 

Holy crap zwatson you gave me an idea

I looked at OP’s bed gaps….look pretty tight compared to your pixs

saw this

 

Nice call wilcam

 

@wilcam47 yes it is a salvage title truck. It was repossessed by the state patrol and sold at auction to a Toyota dealership. I believe it was a pit maneuver or part of a drug bust or something. The rear bumper has been replaced I know for sure. The body work that was done looks very good for the most part, but the bed scooting forward is definitely a possibility. The pictures make it look so much worse lol… it’s parked at an angle in the photos so it doesn’t look TOO BAD in real life haha

 

Oh man you guys are good!! That dent in the cab is on both sides in the exact same spots so I never picked up on it!!

So what’s the final call guys, should I be worried about the longevity and drivability of my Tacoma? It just seems so tight and strong I don’t see how this could cause issues… but I want some more opinions… let me know. I’m 17 and this is my first truck. I get compliments on it all the time. This is gonna drive me nuts knowing that dent is there now hahaha. Thanks for all your help guys

 

But then wouldn't be super hard for a PDR guy to remove. But it means your bed was pushed forward enough to contact the cab. Usually there's just slightly over an inch of gap between the bed and the cab. I would guess that's why your wheels look like they're more in the back than the front. You can realign the bed though it's only six bolts holding it on

 

Oh man that would work perfect. So if I loosen these 6 bolts, and pull back on the bed, would this be that easy? Is it a one man job? Thanks guys

 

Yeah that sounds good. Thanks for all the help. Does anyone have a forum related to removing or realigning the bed? Thanks