Originally Posted by 4runnerfever67

Issue: I have a 2000 limited 4WD that when I drive at highway speeds has a vibration/shimmy in the steering wheel and also noticeable in the transfer case shifter. It usually starts lightly around 50mph and Increases with speed. Sometimes the intensity varies.. I'll be driving with the shimmy and then on occasion it will lessen or go away even though I maintain the same speed. 4runner has 250k miles on it

Steps I have taken:
-The brakes are brand new and the brake pedal doesn't pulsate when applied.
- both lower ball joints were replaced.
- I've been through 2 other sets of tires before and the vibration never changed
- I've used 2 different set of rims and it didn't change
- alignment was done and didn't change
- crawled under and shook the ujoints - I don't notice any play


So I went to inspect it myself, I jacked the front end up on jack stands and shook the wheels. There was absolutely no play at the 12 and 6 position. I inspected the outer tie ends and neither of the protective boots are cracked but they do look original. I disconnected the tie rod from the ball joint and it immediately fell down towards the ground and is very loose. I also pushed/pulled the tie rod in and out motion in the direction of the steering rack and there is no play at all. Finally I had someone shake the wheel while I inspected the steering rack.. there was a very small amount of play side to side by about 1/16".

Although It is time for me to get new tires again. I don't expect it to change because it didn't make a difference in the last set i had. Does anyone have any ideas for me? The tie rods had no in and out play but they were definitely loose when disconnected from the wheel assembly?