Toyota Trucks: 85 hilux 4x4 frame damage

I have had my 1985 4x4 extra cab hilux since it was new. Three years ago
traveling about 25 mph I hit some black ice and slid off the road and ended
up in the ditch with the front end hitting a vertical clay bank. After
convincing the insurance company to fix the truck I had the body work done
and then to the frame shop to be straightened. Straightening was easier
said then done. After 2 days in the shop they finally got it driveable but
not back to factory. Still a little squirly on the road but not bad. I
have driven it that way since then. I recently bought a 2001 Taco V6 (and
love it) and have been letting my 16 yr old son use the 85 hilux. Boys
being boys he had a low speed woods impact with an oak tree in the front
left, damaged the fender & corner light. I understand the front tread of
the left tire came to rest (or struck) on the tree also.

My current problem is we (my son) took it in for an alignment , just to be
sure the tires continued to wear correctly and they did some adjustment but
the truck drives much worse. He took it back and they tweaked something
and made it drive a little better but its still more than squirly on the
road, pulls left some and the steering wheel now seems a little off center.
I called and discussed the vehicle history, past and current problem with
the alignment shop manager. He would like me to leave the truck with him so
he can take a closer look and suggests a ball joint could be bent slightly.
This shop is not the frame shop from 2 yrs ago but a good low overhead
family owned tire & alignment shop, good folks with dirty hands.
Obviously not alergic to work. I supose I'll let them look some more at
and see what they can determine.

The truck has 180k miles and is just too good to abandon.

Do most or some Toyota Dealers have equipment and expertise at frame
straightening ? Could they have an enhanced knowledge of the Toyota Frame
bending / straightening requirements? We have 3-4 dealers within my range
maybe I should call them and ask them about their expertise with frames.....

Any one have suggestions for a good frame person in east Tennessee,
Knoxville area ??

What do you think? All your suggestions and help are greatly appreciated !

Thanks ! !
Scott

Frame straightening makes me nervous. It has all the markings of the paper clip
procedure. Bend, straighten, bend, straighten, SNAP! I would think that the
first episode of bending and straightening would have weakened the frame and a
the second hit even more so.
The steering wheel being off center would seem to point the drag link either
being bent or possibly that whole segment of the axle housing no longer being
in the appropriate relation to the steering box. Although the pins should
prevent it from doing so, is it possible the axle got pushed back on the leave
springs from the impact or some similar spring related trauma?
Have you checked to see if the distance between the front and rear wheels is
the same on both sides of the truck?

Chris
whitewall junkie
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