Outer Tie Rod Extensions

Hello I currently have my 2002 Tacoma Double Cab in the shop getting some work done to it. I’m adding Bilstein 6112s and 5165s in the rear, All Pro Expedition Leaf Springs, OME Greasable Shackles, Perry Parts Bump Stops, ICON UCAs, Solo Motor Sports LCAs, and the KpOffroad Allignment Cam tab kit. I’m being told they can’t properly align the vehicle since the Outer Toe rods are maxed out. So my options would be to either get tie rod extensions which I can’t find any for the first gen or lower the front shocks. The 6112s are currently maxed out on the 11 and 10th circlips which adds 2.8 inches of lift (this is how TEQ Off-road sent them to me they never reached out asking what setting I wanted, tbh I didn’t know much at the time of ordering). I’m kind of lost and don’t know what to do I initially told them just lower the front but they are telling me it’s going to have way too much rake. Is this true? Please any information or guidance would be extremely helpful thank you!

 

Unless the Solo LCAs are for a long travel setup, none of what is being installed is increasing the vehicle track width.

If those LCAs are stock length, you have a bunch of clowns working on your vehicle.

 

Yes they are Stock Length LCAs. This is not a Long travel setup. It’s so difficult to find a reputable shop this shop is rated one of the best out here in the Phoenix AZ area.

 

Anyone have any recommendations on a shop in the Phoenix AZ area?

 

Something doesn't add up. I'm not sure what it is. First, it sounds like you got taken for a ride with all those components. You almost certainly did not need the upper or lower arms unless you had $2,000 falling outta your pocket. That money would have been better spent on ADS/KING/etc coilovers vs the 6112s...

 

Yeah I really wish I got ADS instead of the Billsteins but it’s too late for that now I just want my truck back at this point

 

For work I'd recommend YotaPros in Tempe but they don't do alignments, for the alignment I heard good things about Desert Toy Shop in Mesa. They helped a guy a couple weeks ago who had an alignment issue on a 4th gen the dealer wouldnt fix.

 

There's a good chance they're trying to hook up the TRE while the truck is on the lift and at full droop. The inner TRE is likely to limit travel with those components.
If it's assembled and they're just trying to set toe, it would be good to have more information. Are the TRE really maxed out and the truck is still toed out? That seems very unlikely. I've never seen a Tacoma run out of threads on the TRE to the point that correct toe couldn't be set, or even get close.
Going lower on the front lift is generally a good thing, especially for CV life. 1.5" is a good place to be. The truck will probably have quite a bit of rake with that spring pack, but it beats rebooting CVs every 10k and putting the joints under a lot more stress.
If it were my truck, I'd ask them to make it driveable and take it somewhere else. Or learn to do it yourself and not have to pick between circuses next time something needs to be done.

 

Yeah, you have to have the suspension compressed to get the TRE into the Ball Joint.

Those 6112’s are mid travel and take everything right to their limits, which I consider a good thing, but the shops might not be aware of that.

 

Problem was found. I recently had a new rack and pinion installed from brakes plus (I know I know never going to them again) anyways they had it clocked wrong.

 

I was just going to say the rack was installed incorrectly. Was the only explanation.

 

Well alignment and tie rod ends issue is fixed but now I’m experiencing some serious vibrations in the steering wheel and pretty much whole truck while driving over 60mph.

 

Are the CV boot fins rubbing? Any marks on the fins? Post up a pic of your CV axles. Curious how much angle you have at ride height.

 

Did they install new tires too? If not, it is likely that they missed tightening some nuts or bolts.

 

Yes I did have new tires installed by them as well.

 

I do plan on dropping the front suspension 2 circlip settings on the Bilsteins I just wanted my truck back already lol

 

Then it sounds like a tire balance issue.

 

I hope it’s something that easy of a fix I’ll schedule an appointment at a reputable tire shop to recheck balancing

 

Fins are definitely rubbing. IMO that's your vibe source.

 

Good to know so if I drop it 2 circlips on the 6112s it lowers it to 2.1 inches of lift that should fix my issue?