Difficult alignment issues... any ideas on what might be bent or worn..

[rochmpr]

Don't make mods to trucks with KDSS. Problem solved. If you do, you're asking from trouble at some point.


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Interesting comment. I have made several mods to my 4Runner with KDSS and managed to get to 4°" on alignment wiith no issues. Truck handled great. Since I wanted more from the suspension, I ditched the sway bars.

Next time, please add something of relevance to the post.

 

[Danimal]

Don't make mods to trucks with KDSS. Problem solved. If you do, you're asking from trouble at some point.


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*forehead slap*

 

[mwray8909]

Don't make mods to trucks with KDSS. Problem solved. If you do, you're asking from trouble at some point.


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Have you had a bad experience with this? I've seen several with KDSS with mods that have Zero issue. Please explain further, I'd like to understand the negative to it.

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[wfo9]

As far as the KDSS goes...

It's not the "problem" this time, but it sure does make sourcing some parts more difficult. He has ran into enough problems and limits with it over time to where I think he really regrets having it (but I'm not sure he knows what he would be giving up without it).

If it was non-KDSS a million options would open up if a replacement part is needed... Just walk into the local autoparts store and they will either have a new set of LCAs on the shelf or can get them in a few hours. That may not be a great long term solution, but if you are away from home... or in a time crunch.. or low on funds... It's great that Toyota used the same part on so many trucks. Unfortunately, KDSS eliminates that benefit. Also if you want to beef up and go aftermarket on the LCAs... Can't do that with KDSS unless you wanted to do custom fabrication.

However, for what he uses the truck for (lots of real over landing where he lives out of the truck for a month+...). KDSS is pretty useful on the road with all that weight. And then it just works off pavement without having to get out and adjust anything.

I personally prefer not having a front swaybar connected off pavement. So I mess around disconnecting mine while I air down. (Had a custom single sided disconnect before, trying the sliding links as a new experiment). It's sort of a PITA messing with it, but not a huge deal since I'm usually destination wheeling and not transitioning from road to pavement that much. It is a trade-off, but has served my needs well.

People have accused me of being biased against KDSS on here. I'm really not, I see the benefits. I just think it has several pros and cons. Finding replacement parts in a time crunch is one of the cons. The pros probably outweigh the cons for most peoples typical use and plans. I just don't think it is for everyone.

 

[wfo9]

Quick up date on this...

He took it to the dealer. The crack heads yesterday were clearly high....not only was the machine lying, but they totally jacked up the toe of all things. (probably because that is all they touched)

So the before spec sheet from today shows.

LEFT:
Camber.1
Caster: 3.3
Toe:-.30

Right
Camber.6
Caster 3.4
Toe:-.01


After:
LEFT:
Camber.1
Caster: 3.3
Toe:-.09

Right
Camber.6
Caster 3.4
Toe:-.09


The dealer claimed they tried as hard as they could to get he camber better.... but I call BS. I don't think they even messed with it. Getting the exact same numbers before and after is not likely after adjustments. Maybe it is just a confidence... Seems unlikely.

At this point he needs to hit the road, so it is probably good enough for now. I will take a look at it in a few more days when I meet him out in CO. Might be able to find a competent place to throw it up on a rack and see what the F is really going on. For now, it should drive OK and he said it feels pretty good and much improved overall.

 

[Ducmonsta]

Quick up date on this...

He took it to the dealer. The crack heads yesterday were clearly high....not only was the machine lying, but they totally jacked up the toe of all things. (probably because that is all they touched)

So the before spec sheet from today shows.

LEFT:
Camber.1
Caster: 3.3
Toe:-.30

Right
Camber.6
Caster 3.4
Toe:-.01


After:
LEFT:
Camber.1
Caster: 3.3
Toe:-.09

Right
Camber.6
Caster 3.4
Toe:-.09


The dealer claimed they tried as hard as they could to get he camber better.... but I call BS. I don't think they even messed with it. Getting the exact same numbers before and after is not likely after adjustments. Maybe it is just a confidence... Seems unlikely.

At this point he needs to hit the road, so it is probably good enough for now. I will take a look at it in a few more days when I meet him out in CO. Might be able to find a competent place to throw it up on a rack and see what the F is really going on. For now, it should drive OK and he said it feels pretty good and much improved overall.

Ummmm, from the looks of those readings, they only touched the tie rod ends.

 

[wfo9]

Ummmm, from the looks of those readings, they only touched the tie rod ends.

Yea, that is why I call BS. To make adjustments to the cams and end up with the exact same camber and caster seems very unlikely, but it could happen.

When he asked what they thought the problem was... they gave him the old no telling with aftermarket parts, lift, BS. Fits into the narrative of just being lazy and not really wanting to solve a customers problem.... Unfortunately, that is pretty much the norm these days.

 

[Ducmonsta]

Yea, that is why I call BS. To make adjustments to the cams and end up with the exact same camber and caster seems very unlikely, but it could happen.



When he asked what they thought the problem was... they gave him the old no telling with aftermarket parts, lift, BS. Fits into the narrative of just being lazy and not really wanting to solve a customers problem.... Unfortunately, that is pretty much the norm these days.

Any updates on your buddy's truck. I'm curious to hear the outcome.

 

[wfo9]

Any updates on your buddy's truck. I'm curious to hear the outcome.

It was "good enough" for the trip.... The main issue was just the fiasco of bad alignment tech(s) (or inaccurate machines....). He may still have have a bent LCA but there does not seem to be a competent shop where he lives. Next time he is down here we will get it on a rack and see if there is actually a problem or if it was just all poor service. Seems to drive OK now.... not sure if there is any uneven tire wear.