ALIGNMENT ADVICE???

[Scooby]

Vehicle: 2002 Toyota Tacoma 4wd Ext cab
Miles: 27,500
Problem: Front tires wearing BAD on inside

My truck isnt pulling obviously to one side or have any other obvious symptoms. Gonna take it to dealer next week for alignment.

QUESTION: Should I get 2 wheel ($34.95) or 4 wheel ($54.95) thrust alignment?

Some say 4 wheel is a ripoff, some say it is absolutely neccesary.

Any opinions or info is greatly ppreciated.

 

[sbc350gearhead]

Rear wheel alignment doesn't usually change on a vehicle with a solid rear axle, unless it has had a hard impact, or you go do the hardcore baha stuff.

 

[Steve S]

A 4 wheel alignment would better be called with a solid rear axle a thrust angle, it makes sure your front axle and rear axle are 90 degrees with the center line of the vehicle anyway, done properly is the best and most complete procedure . The shop doing the work should have pictures or a poster showing the differences . Then you can see why it is the best or make the best decision. The rear end on my Toyota p/u was off .

[ August 31, 2003, 06:43 PM: Message edited by: Steve S ]

 

[Hirev]

I see Toyota pickups are still the same. My 86 and 91 toed out real easy a good chuck hole is all it takes. Is the 02 rear a leaf spring set up? If so I would want to know how the are going to move it if it is out.

 

[Scooby]

Yeah, rear is leaf spring

 

[DJStillman]

This is a 2002 vehicle, right? Is this not covered under the warranty??

 

[Mike_dup1]

Vehicle alignments are only covered for the first few thousand miles. I am sure it varies between manf.? GM is about 5,000 miles and after that a dealer cannot get a warranty alignment to be paid by GM unless there are other circumstances involved.

4X4 trucks are assumed to be used off-road and any alignment problems is going to be tough to get a dealer to warranty.

 

[Steve S]

Hirev ,the u bolts that hold the axle to the spring are loosened then the axle end is moved to get it square.Then the bolts are tightened the measurements rechecked then the front is done .

 

[digitaldrifter91]

2002 is under warrenty.

u should get a 4 wheel...caus eu may not see somethign wrong, but something may be off....its only a little more money....yet u got a 6 month warrenty...

yet get it under dealer warrenty.

 

[sbc350gearhead]

Most places around here will check the alignment (front and rear) for free.

 

[Gary Allan]

quote:

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Vehicle: 2002 Toyota Tacoma 4wd Ext cab
Miles: 27,500
Problem: Front tires wearing BAD on inside

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This is an IFS front end, right? Do you tow or load the rear up excessively? The camber is obviously setup for more weight bias toward the front.