So I measured my front end (4" IFS lift) and found that I had 1.5" negative toe in. I set the toe to -1/8" and took a drive. Truck pulled hard to the left and front tires made a hell of a noise (33" BFG Mud T/A's). Came back and found that I now had 2" of POSITIVE toe. WTF???

Can the idler arm affect the toe settings? I think I have a lot of vertical slop in the bushing. I'm not sure how much is too much though. The arm seems to flop around more than I would expect.

....newb question, perhaps. Forgive me.

Mike

88 4Runner

 

Yes I think your idler arm plays a major role in your alignment. If it has slop either rebuild it with bronze bushings or buy a new one.

 

Just to wrap this thread up, my idler arm was loosey goosey! I replaced it with the Auto Zone version and it aligned easily after that. Now, the camber is another story!

Thanks Rob, for the info.

 

1991 Pickup-is it NECESSARY to do an alignment after replacing the idler arms? im doing a front end "freshen up" and have found myself replacing pretty much everything that has a rubber boot on it! Im just trying to replace all the items that would not require an immediate alignment for now. Ball joints and both cv transaxles are done, now im looking at the idler arms next. Trying to save the tie rod ends til last since that will require an alignment.

 

In theory you should be OK with out an alignment if you rebuild yours, but if you are replacing it all together then I would just hold off on installing it untill you do the ball joints and get it aligned.

 

Idler arm, singular. The other one is the pitman arm. And no, you might not need to do an alignment after replacing either. But if you have enough skill to replace said parts, then you have the skill required to do your own wheel alignments too.

 

Thanks for the info guys! Sorry about the idler arms typo lol. Working midnights this week so my brain is only at half speed!