wasatchmtnbike

Howdy. My right front ball joints broke on my 02 Tacoma 4x4 dbl cab. (This is the 2nd time they have broke - long story). Anyhow I bought new ball joints and installed them along with a spare CV axle I had. After I put it all together I noticed that the rt lower ball joint was slanting towards the wheel. At first I thought that my lower control arm was bent but in looking at it closer I don't think it is. I think that maybe I need a longer axle. If it were maybe 2" longer it would fit perfect. (The axle, I mean!!!!) Maybe I installed an axle for manual hubs instead of one for auto hubs. I can't remember what I pulled the spare from. Does anyone know if there's a difference in length between the auto hub CV axle and the manual hub CV axle?

Here's some pics comparing sides.

DeathCougar

iTrader: (23)

It's impossible to install a manual hub axle without changing the spindle/hub assembly.

Looks like your control arm is bent to me. I would also take it to a frame shop and have them check it. If the truck was in a previous accident, it will exhibit some of the same symptoms.

As for the axle being too short, thats not likely either. The axle would pull apart before it ever forced the suspension in or down.