alignment tech/ help thread

Wow man your caster is negative??? That's why your truck probably feels squirrelly as hell.

 

The 2011 PreRunner specs are 3.5 to 5 for caster. Mine is still at 2.0 after Camburg spindles and 5100s at .75...not bad IMO

 

He's got a 10' 4x4.

Not sure what's different about the prerunners that toyota changed the alignment specs but I'd be curious to see what kind of numbers stock prerunners are coming with.

 

Not sure what he means inside outside cams.

Looks like they could have sacrificed some camber to get more caster which is what I'd have done in that sort of situation. I'd likely go back and talk with the tech who did the alignment for a better explanation.

 

I think it all basically indicates this Firestone tech can't handle the truck. Take it to a better alignment tech who a) doesn't give the truck back with more negative caster than you already had, and b) can advise you what suspension mods you'll need to get the numbers correct.

This guy leaves a note? Why didn't he simply adjust the cams so they would be even? This guy is a joke.

 

I'm having a similar issue, Firestone is also involved.

Before camber is +.7/+.7. I lowered the truck from 2.5" lift to 1.75" because the outside edges of my tires are wearing in the front. Took it in today and this is what I get back (caster is WAY effed up, too; don't have before number right now)



I'm getting slightly annoyed dealing with this. Any ideas? I'm assuming I should just go to a better shop.

 

Yep, same situation. Firestone tech does not know wtf he's doing. Why does he give the truck back with a red caster indicator? Is the moron color blind too?

edit to add:
It may help to remove the skid plate before you drive it over there. When I took my truck to Schwab the tech did not even touch the front UCA bolts. I assumed it was because he was too lazy to remove the skid.

 

Ah, that makes sense. Laziness is a way of life around here. Thanks. I'm calling the off-road shop up the road.

 

Stopped at Autozone to return the spring compressors I borrowed. Guy there has an '04 Tacoma, 9 alignments in the last year by 5 different places and it STILL isn't right and he's at stock height. He has tires with beveled edges like I'll end up with. Nice.

I'm bringing it back to the Myrtle Beach Firestone so they can correct it somewhat from today's nonsense and then when I drive up to NJ in August I'll pay to have it done up there. Unreal what I have to deal with here.

 

I got fed up and did my alignment myself. I know I'm not exact to the gnat's ass but it sits and drives nicely and does not wear the tires.

 

Yeah I'd suggest finding a real shop and then actually talk to the guy about what you're after before he starts the work. I had to deal with some real bullshit before I found a guy I can trust. Guy is damn good.

 

thanks for the input

yea I'm pretty pissed.. Firestone was actually recommended to me from the guy who did my lift (backyard garage) , but clearly the tech F'd this up. I'l raise a stink with management and see where it goes

EDIT: also I'm positive he didn't remove my skid plate (required w/ 1st gen?? ) because I'v got a diff drop and spacer for the skid and I'm certain they were too lazy to remove/replace that.

 

Hi. I bought my truck new in Jan 2011. I had a 3" lift, new wheels, and new tires put on it. I have about 13,000 gentle miles on it now. I have not had any problems like it pulling or any other alignment type problems. I took it back to the place that put on the lift, wheels, and tires and had an alignment done, just to make sure I don't have any problems. The report is below. Does it look like they did it correctly? I don't know anything about alignments. Thanks for any advice you can give me on this.

 

You're not getting any tire wear on the outside edges? +.7 camber is wearing mine.

 

Your caster is way low. I'm guessing when your make a sharp turn like in a parking lot and let go of the wheel it doesn't return to center on its own?

EDIT: Uh oh I think you may have a 5 lug spec sheet there. You have to be really careful with anything marked 4x2, that looks like they aligned it to 5 lug spec and not 4x4/prerunner 6 lug spec

 

It's for the Prerunner. That's what all mine say, too. Also, the Prerunner caster spec is 3.5-5.0.

 

I dont have a 2nd gen but someones is wrong, your shows spec at 1.2-2.7 for prerunner

 

^^ I thought this was in here before. Like I said I dont have 2nd gen so I cant confirm but...

 

What kind of aligment do you get Thrust or Front End for a 2nd Gen?