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86-95 Trucks & 4Runners 2nd/3rd gen pickups, and 1st/2nd gen 4Runners with IFS

after offroad steering issues

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Old May 12, 2012 | 07:57 AM
  #1  
wilson109's Avatar
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From: SoCal
after offroad steering issues

when i got the truck most of steering setup needed to be replaced. i replaced a tie rod end, idler arm, and upper and lower ball joints. after that i could align it. after it was properly aligned i took it offroad. when i say offroad i mean mild stuff like dirt roads with some holes and bumps not rock crawling or some extreme trails. but after hitting some rough stuff its knocked out of alignment pretty bad like im trying to balance the truck while im driving if that makes any sense. im just wondering if thats normal when offroading. i know some alignment change will happen but i dont know if its suppose to be like this. its a 91, and i just have some shocks and upper A arms on 31s.

thanks
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Old May 12, 2012 | 08:57 AM
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From: Olympia, WA
upper a arms?¿? what's that mean? Do you have ball joint spacers?

probably bent your idler arm
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Old May 12, 2012 | 09:54 AM
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From: Calgary, AB
Take it to a shop.
They'll tell ya what's wrong with it.
Replace what they tell ya (way cheaper to do it yourself) and then take it back for an alignment.
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Old May 13, 2012 | 07:02 AM
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That's why when you wheel IFS it's a good idea to pay for lifetime alignment - because if you're gonna wheel it, it's gonna go out of alignment. Check idler for bends or for worn/broken plastic bushings inside.
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Old May 13, 2012 | 08:06 AM
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From: the great Maine wilderness
Ya... Id say you bent something... Idler arm is a pretty weak link on these suspensions....

I personally have only bent anything when wheeling really rough (logging- use my rig as a skidder) and with 33's, alignment seems to hold just fine most of the time...
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Old May 13, 2012 | 09:16 AM
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wilson109's Avatar
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From: SoCal
Originally Posted by drew303
upper a arms?¿? what's that mean? Do you have ball joint spacers?

probably bent your idler arm
ya fab tech A arms came with the truck, and no i dont think so.
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Old May 13, 2012 | 09:23 AM
  #7  
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Originally Posted by highonpottery
That's why when you wheel IFS it's a good idea to pay for lifetime alignment - because if you're gonna wheel it, it's gonna go out of alignment. Check idler for bends or for worn/broken plastic bushings inside.
what does IFS stand for? excuse the noobness, and i just replaced the idler arm no more than 3 weeks ago. but ill get her up on a lift and check it out.
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Old May 13, 2012 | 09:58 AM
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Originally Posted by wilson109
ya fab tech A arms came with the truck...
It's 2WD then?

EDIT: Just seen your other thread...it is. BTW, 2WD trucks are NOT meant to be driven offroad. They're basically street vehicles. Unless you're willing to go the whole 9 yards on all the aftermarket upgrades available to make them offroad worthy. Just so you know....
Originally Posted by wilson109
what does IFS stand for?
Independent Front Suspension
Originally Posted by wilson109
...i just replaced the idler arm no more than 3 weeks ago.
That doesn't mean you didn't just bend it, and/or damage the bushings in it.

Last edited by MudHippy; May 13, 2012 at 10:05 AM.
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Old May 13, 2012 | 10:00 AM
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From: SoCal
Originally Posted by MudHippy
It's 2WD then?
Independent Front Suspension
That doesn't mean you didn't just bend it, and/or damage the bushings in it.
yes its a 2wd and thanks i will check it out next week.
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