Mangled Alignment Tab - How bad is it?

[jmp55]

So went to Discount Tire yesterday for winter tire changeover. They suggested checking the alignment and I agreed. The alignment tech checked the alignment and came back saying it needs alignment adjusted. Also mentioned that he took a look down there and doesn't look terribly rusted, and he will get it done roughly around 20 mins or so.
After waiting around 30 mins, the tech came back saying he couldn't do it and won't charge for the alignment. Suggested going to more specialized shop for an alignment and said the tab started to bend while adjusting and I might need a whole new lower control arm?

Came home and took a look down there, and this is what I see. (See attachment)
I am mad because it looks like the bent tab is on the frame, and new control arm won't fix the issue. What is the best way to fix this?

There seems to be Alignment Cam Tab available by Total Chaos or other companies, but they require welding and I don't have one available. Would a shop do this kind of installation? Any idea on how much it will cost?

Total Chaos Lower Control Arm CAM Tab Gussets | 2005-2015 Tacoma, 2007
– SRQ Fabrications

TEQ Alignment Cam Kit for KPOffroad Vehicles
– TEQ Customs

If the bushings and ball joints are good, do I still need new LCA?

TIA

 

[rdruss]

So went to Discount Tire yesterday for winter tire changeover. They suggested checking the alignment and I agreed. The alignment tech checked the alignment and came back saying it needs alignment adjusted. Also mentioned that he took a look down there and doesn't look terribly rusted, and he will get it done roughly around 20 mins or so.
After waiting around 30 mins, the tech came back saying he couldn't do it and won't charge for the alignment. Suggested going to more specialized shop for an alignment and said the tab started to bend while adjusting and I might need a whole new lower control arm?

Came home and took a look down there, and this is what I see. (See attachment)
I am mad because it looks like the bent tab is on the frame, and new control arm won't fix the issue. What is the best way to fix this?

There seems to be Alignment Cam Tab available by Total Chaos or other companies, but they require welding and I don't have one available. Would a shop do this kind of installation? Any idea on how much it will cost?

Total Chaos Lower Control Arm CAM Tab Gussets | 2005-2015 Tacoma, 2007
– SRQ Fabrications

TEQ Alignment Cam Kit for KPOffroad Vehicles
– TEQ Customs

If the bushings and ball joints are good, do I still need new LCA?

TIA

The best fix is the weld-on kits, however, like you, I don't weld . To me it looks like you can straighten that up with a hammer and chisel, just don't get too aggressive. My fix was to go to the non-adjustable alignment kit from "poly performance", but I have adjustable UCA, the SPC.

 

[Inv4drZm]

It looked like the nut was rusted on and a tech hit it with an impact and spun it about 100 times to melt the tabs lol

 

[cwilliams563]

Those tabs are completely independent of the LCA’s and are attached to the vehicle, not the LCA’s.

You’d only need new LCA’s if the bushings and or the BJ’s are shot. Depending how many miles are on it, there’s a good chance the bushing, BJ’s, or LCA’s need to be replaced.

I bought my 2008 V6 and ~135K mi. In 2020 and lifted it right after. It drove terrible and swam all over the road. Once I replaced my LCA’s, it was a complete different vehicle. Good luck on your alignment tabs thought, I don’t have any input on them other than what’s already been said.

 

[Runnin on E]

I had exactly the same thing happen to my alignment tab. I bent mine back with a few hammer taps and put a few tack welds behind the tabs after. Has worked perfect since. Don't buy the TC kit, save some money, you would still have to weld that kit on so just have yours welded. There are people with portable welders. I would look in to the rust seized nut before getting another alignment. Here is what mine looked like after the "alignment"

 

[MikeinNH67]

This is what I'd do. ^^