3rd Gen Alignment Issues

[Srathke]

I recently rebuilt the suspension on my 2000 4Runner and yesterday took it in to get an alignment done. The shop had major issues trying to get everything into spec (See attached pic of the sheet below). Of note when he set the toe the tie rods are set to their shortest length possible. I have ~2 inches of lift I believe (I haven't adjusted the coilovers since I got them).

I had assumed the guy was being lazy or didn't know what he was doing (Many bad previous experiences with alignment shops). But it seems like something is clearly off for the tie rods to be shortened all the way and the toe being barely in spec. Does anyone have any thoughts?

Here's what I've replaced prior to this alignment, everything is OEM unless otherwise noted.

1. Front coilovers (Icon Stage 1)
2. Rear Shocks (Icon Stage 1)
3. Rear Springs (OME)
4. Upper and lower ball joints
5. Inner and outer tie rods
6. Extended front and rear sway bar links
7. New front axles (New NAPA)


Here's the alignment sheet. The guy took it off the rack and then put it back on after his first attempt, that's why nothing changed on the sheet. Unfortunately I don't have what it was before but needless to say it was worse.

 

[Nate_GB]

Where did you buy your Oem parts? Did you compare the new tie rods to the old side by side to verify the dimensions. I've seen issues with Oem in the past. Not often but every once in a while. Assuming all the parts are correct and were installed properly and there's no additional damage, the issue is with the alignment tech and his ability to do his job.

 

[Srathke]

Where did you buy your Oem parts? Did you compare the new tie rods to the old side by side to verify the dimensions. I've seen issues with Oem in the past. Not 0often but every once in a while. Assuming all the parts are correct and were installed properly and there's no additional damage, the issue is with the alignment tech and his ability to do his job.

I got them from camelbak toyota.

I compared them in the past with the originals, mostly to double check I was putting them on the correct side. Just in case toyota idea of left side is different then mine. I didn't notice anything dramatically different at that time. I tossed the old ones before the alignment unfortunately so I cant really check them now...

 

[Nate_GB]

I got them from camelbak toyota.

I compared them in the past with the originals, mostly to double check I was putting them on the correct side. Just in case toyota idea of left side is different then mine. I didn't notice anything dramatically different at that time. I tossed the old ones before the alignment unfortunately so I cant really check them now...

Are the tie rods out of adjustability because the inner tie rod is bottomed out inside the outer tie rod, or because the out tie rods is screwed all the way down to the last thread on the inner?

 

[Srathke]

Are the tie rods out of adjustability because the inner tie rod is bottomed out inside the outer tie rod, or because the out tie rods is screwed all the way down to the last thread on the inner?

I think you switched around inner and outter tie rod in what you're asking (outter tie rod fit into the inner tie rod on the 3rd gen at least). But to answer your question they're screwed down to the last thread on the outer tie rod.

 

[Nate_GB]

I think you switched around inner and outter tie rod in what you're asking (outter tie rod fit into the inner tie rod on the 3rd gen at least). But to answer your question they're screwed down to the last thread on the outer tie rod.

Yeah. You're right. Not sure why I was thinking the other way around. Something is off. I'd probably start by having them set caster and camber and then see if your toe is still not working out. If that doesn't do it, I'd probably start taking it apart until you find something that you suspect is the culprit.

Edit. The more I look at that alignment sheet, the more I think the tech doesn't know wtf he's doing. More caster and less positive camber will require a longer tie rod assembly, thus allowing the shop to unscrew the tie rods to have it be in spec. Find a new shop with a tech that has a clue what he's doing and your problem will be solved.

 

[Srathke]

Yeah. You're right. Not sure why I was thinking the other way around. Something is off. I'd probably start by having them set caster and camber and then see if your toe is still not working out. If that doesn't do it, I'd probably start taking it apart until you find something that you suspect is the culprit.

Edit. The more I look at that alignment sheet, the more I think the tech doesn't know wtf he's doing. More caster and less positive camber will require a longer tie rod assembly, thus allowing the shop to unscrew the tie rods to have it be in spec. Find a new shop with a tech that has a clue what he's doing and your problem will be solved.

Thanks for the input! I was leaning towards taking it elsewhere but wanted a second opinion before I shelled out $ for another alignment. At least there is a chance that it might work out!

 

[Nate_GB]

Thanks for the input! I was leaning towards taking it elsewhere but wanted a second opinion before I shelled out $ for another alignment. At least there is a chance that it might work out!

Post back after you take it elsewhere. I want to see the print out from a competent tech

 

[Srathke]

Post back after you take it elsewhere. I want to see the print out from a competent tech

Will do!