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o5 Tacoma w/frozen caster- camber cams
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Lew Ross
Novice
Jan 10, 2015, 2:29 PM
Post #1 of 6
(1528 views)
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o5 Tacoma w/frozen caster- camber cams
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I recently bought a used Tacoma and when I took it in for an alignment the Tech. informed me that the rear cams on both sides were frozen. Luckily the caster- camber was so close to spec. that it is not necessary to fix it immediately. I would prefer to do the repair myself and posses the tools and skills to do so. I have a few questions that would like to ask before proceeding.
Is there a superior aftermarket lower A- frame and cam?
Do you think I can sawzall the old cam assembly to remove the A-arms ? Or is there a better way ?
Is there something that can be done as maintenance to prevent this from occurring again?
Thanks
Lew
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 10, 2015, 2:56 PM
Post #2 of 6
(1522 views)
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Re: o5 Tacoma w/frozen caster- camber cams
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Lew - you said it was declared in spec enough for now by the alignment tech - right? What did the tech say about what to do to fix it as it would need an alignment again if you messed with it anyway.
I don't and haven't done alignments since tech school as somehow a $50,000+ buck machine doesn't quite fit my tool budget so have an agreement with a shop as many do. If safe to leave it alone till next round as determined by the alignment person I'd leave it alone now and deal with it later,
T
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Lew Ross
Novice
Jan 10, 2015, 4:03 PM
Post #4 of 6
(1511 views)
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Re: o5 Tacoma w/frozen caster- camber cams
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The alignment tech said he would torch the cam assembly and A-frames out and replace with new parts. I figure I'm OK until the ball joints go or it needs another alignment. The truck has 190k miles on it so most likley it will need ball joints soon. In the mean time I would like to figure out the best approach to remove the old parts and the best replacement parts to use.
Thanks for your input Tom,
Lew
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 10, 2015, 4:58 PM
Post #5 of 6
(1505 views)
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Re: o5 Tacoma w/frozen caster- camber cams
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? Not very familiar with this exact set up but the upper and lower control arm set up is common to many. Just a parts look up for upper and lower control arms that do (usually do on these things) have new bushings and ball joints ready to just install whole unit. Getting the old one out if this is a rusted mess with now almost 200K it isn't worth this IMO. At cost uppers are $300+ (2) and lowers $500+/-.
If body and frame are that messed up it may not even take new parts and be talking about welding in new sections of frame or who knows. This isn't just some "saws-all" type job nor very DIY if worth it at all IMO.
Your tech you just said would cut them out with torches and is probably right. I'm not looking at how extensive the problem is but smacks of rust issues and this truck was the worst of them all. Thought they recalled most up to a complete buy back of these if we are talking about the problems you may have with it.
OK - If it could be aligned at all that should mean tech checked the front end parts for wear or what was the point then?
Now that you say the miles and this type problem I'd just take routine care of it till it croaks from something else and forget alignment items as said IF THE TECH DECLARED THIS THING SAFE AT ALL the way it is.
Before I'd worry any more about this I'd either ask that tech to look again or another if this thing is worth investing in this when the whole thing has enough miles for any kind of wild troubles already.
Your call but be informed on what you really have to work with which doesn't sound so good about now,
T
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nickwarner
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jan 11, 2015, 11:41 AM
Post #6 of 6
(1491 views)
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Re: o5 Tacoma w/frozen caster- camber cams
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without a cutting torch you aren't tooled up to do this job. Frozen together parts like that aren't coming out without heat. Just isn't going to happen.
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