Alignment Problems

Hey y’all, I have an alignment issue and need some help. I have a 2013 TRD Sport DCSB 4x4 sitting on 3rd TRD Sport suspensions. I also changed out my OEM LCA with Moog LCA. Took it in for an alignment and the tech told me my camber is maxed out on my driver side and my caster is maxed out of my passenger side. They suggested that I have a bent frame and need some frame work. It was perfectly fine before swabbing out the suspension and LCA. What do y’all think?

 

Where did you take it? I see your in Houston, try IDB Racing. Most alignment techs just crank until the the gauge reads green.

Lots of things could cause alignment issues. We’re they installed correctly? Was everything reinstalled in the corrected direction and place? Did you reuse anything?

 

Suspension parts were used so that’s that. Complete LCA (ball joints and bushings) are new.

I took the bolts and rings off and put it back on exactly how I took them off.

 

I'd definitely get a second opinion. This could easily be a price gouging scam.

 

This might sound dumb but did you make sure to put the eccentric bolts in properly...? Otherwise you will be very limited with your alignment/adjustments. Happens more often than you’d think...

It’s usually also a good idea to replace the eccentrics anyway. IMO they are wear items.

 

If all parts were installed correctly, double check yourself. Then the alignment guys is lost.

 

You’re making me doubt my work now haha. Do you have a picture of how it’s suppose to be?

 

All of the washers should be at the 12 o'clock position. To be honest, I haven't even looked under my Taco, but this was an issue for my Miata. You can't really adjust caster or camber without adjusting the other, so in some cars putting the washers in the wrong way can cause the adjustments to fight each other. My alignment/eccentric bolts were also pretty worn out as well, which also contributed to one side being over 7 degrees out from the other side.

Even with new alignment hardware, the shop had to remove the car from the rack a few times to get the suspension to loosen up. IDB Racing in Houston caught this issue and set it right for a good price. Those guys pretty much specialize in custom projects and race alignments and could find your issue, if any.

Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9jgIvYc168
Jump to 5:00 to see what I mean about installing the bolt/washers the wrong way on one side. It looks like this wouldn't be as much of a problem with the Tacoma since the adjustment notches are perpendicular versus an oval shape.

 

You’re the man. I’m going to watch this video a couple times and might try to do the alignment myself.

 

OP, that's quite the mess going on there....sorry.

1. First thing to do is post some pics of the fronts and backs of the cams so we can see if they were assembled correctly.
2. You swapped the LCAs yourself? Did you tighten the cam bolts while the truck is sitting on the ground? And counter-hold opposite side and torque to spec? The spec is something like 105ft.lb. Otherwise the cams will walk around all over the place.
3. Did you inspect the bushings on both the upper and lower control arms for cracks/tears.
4. I have never seen a machine that gave a printout like that. I kind of wonder when it was last calibrated? Ever? Calibration tends to be expensive and often skipped because of cost. An uncalibrated machine is less than worthless.

My suggestion to you is to go on to the Hunter Engineering web site and search for shops that list their current alignment machines. Then call one or more and ask them if they can do the diagnostic angles SAI and Included Angle.
These angles will help tell you if something is bent and are automatically calculated in most newer machines (for free) if the technician knows the right button to push. If they stumble around with an answer, go elsewhere.

 

I think the problem is solved. I took it to another shop and they were able to get in pretty close. It’s not perfect but close. I’m taking a 600 miles round trip tomorrow so that will be the ultimate test. I’ll post pictures of the eccentrics and alignment spec sheet tomorrow.