Alignment issue after installing 5100

[bass-o-matic]

So, My mechanic. Sigh.

Who I really like personally let me state...

Put in Bilstein 5100 all around and Tall 99s in the back. After several misfires we got it all in.

The Bilstiens are "Up one notch" Whatever the F that means. The truck looks great. Just a little rake so I'm please with that. We also added airbags in the coils so it tows my little trailer delightfully.

Anyway... he says, "Well, because of the shocks in the front we can't get the "Tow in" on the fronts adjusted where they need to be without $800 of new parts."

Huh?


So... we raised it an inch and now all the tie rods in the front have to be replaced? He says that it's not so far off that it's a safety issue. The tires will wear more in turns.

Considering I put 5k a year on my 4runner that sounds OK to me... but this Tow In thing.... wtf? over.

Thanks in advance for any wisdom.

 

[JayRolla]

If he is correct it sounds like the tie rods had play before the lift. The lift really only causes camber and caster to go out of spec.

 

[HappyHooligan]

"Up one notch" means the shocks are adjustable in the front and you have 4 notches as each one give you lift. if you're raking in the front and wanted it level you'd probably want to go to the 2nd notch.

 

[bass-o-matic]

If he is correct it sounds like the tie rods had play before the lift. The lift really only causes camber and caster to go out of spec.

Do you think that's an issue? Should I replace stuff?

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

If you play in your tie rods or ball joints, yeah replace them now before they fail on the road. Very common issue and when they fail it's not pretty. Generally takes out CV axles, can damage the diff, can damage the control arms, sway bar links, torn brake lines and ABS sensor wiring. It's an old truck, you changed the geometry after many years, expect things to wear out a lot faster now. Use OEM Toyota parts. Costs a little more but they last a whole lot longer than aftermarket.

 

[DaMonkey]

The sticky suspension threads with all the lift info all say to be sure to get an alignment which you did. But the sticky threads should also say that your camber bolts are probably frozen and it might be a real big job to repair them which will be necessary so you can get a proper alignment.

With camber and caster out of whack, your tie rods sound like running out of adjustment to set toe. Even if he could set toe, best to get it fixed so full alignment can be done.

I think $800 is about what I was quoted. I ended up doing it myself. Cut the old ones out with sawzall and need new control arm bushings. Sucks. But get it dialed in, truck will be happy.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

If he is correct it sounds like the tie rods had play before the lift. The lift really only causes camber and caster to go out of spec.

Just to be clear, If you change caster /camber (with a lift) it does affect toe and toe will need to be readjusted.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Unless there's some crazy amount of play( which he should be able to show you) there's absolutely no reason why you wouldn't be able to get toe in spec ALONG with caster/ camber with the lift you have. And if your toe is out it will affect your truck all the time not just on turns. WTF! Post some pics of what it looks like now along with the LCA cam bolt positions, if possible. He either did something wrong or.. well... I don't know.

 

[pauldub]

Lifting the truck a minor amount will not result in having insufficient toe adjustment. The mechanic is just another hack or there is some information missing from this story.