Recent content by Fitz

Sorry I have not replied for a while. I did adjust my rack, and it helped a lot. It took a little more than 1/8 turn, and I did several test drives and slight adjustments until I found the sweet spot. Be careful, because as it was mentioned in other threads, it will tighten to the point that...

That could be attributed to the lousy job GM and Ford did in introducing diesels here in the late 70's and 80's. That left a bad impression. The big three are now selling full size diesel pickups like crazy. They quit trying to build them themselves and learned to outsource what they can't do...

Yeah, I think I could tell there was a lock nut on there too when I looked under it this morning, so it should be adjustable. I'll let you know what I find.

I have noticed the same thing. When I need to ask a question, it is usually fairly technical. There are some very helpful folks, but also a lot of "take it to the dealer" and "I want to see pics of a Runner on 20's" and "how do I change the color of my dash lights?" types. Try the forums at...

RMH, Thanks for posting this info! After reading through those long threads at club lexus, it seems to be the fix I have been looking for. I plan to adjust it tomorrow. I looked under my Runner, and it does have the adjustment on the rack, so your '99 should have it too. Mine has an...

Thanks. That looks like the rack on my Runner. I remember from changing my rack bushings, but I don't remember if it has that socket head adjustment screw. Can you tell me how much you turned it, which direction, etc. to get rid of your shimmy? Was it just that fraction of a turn indicated...

Man, I wish there were diesel versions available here. I'd be all over that. How is the fuel economy for that sweet rig? It is a 6 cylinder, right?

Where is the pretensioner in the system? Is it part of the rack? Does anyone know if this applies to 4Runners?

I don't need or want an "exhaust" for mine. IMHO, a V6 just doesn't sound good with a loud exhaust - like a V8 does. What I am interested in is a replacement tailpipe. Mine is far from smoothly bent where it goes over the axle, and it is egg-shaped at the outlet. Any suggestions for a good...

Check the balancer out here . You can click on "Locate a GSP9700" to find a shop with one near you. There are a lot of them around here at dealers and tire shops.

I agree, this Toy is definitely better made, even though I have been a little frustrated about it lately. At 126K, it's in great shape. I was impressed when I looked everything over from underneath. There is no rust on this 8 year old vehicle in northern IL. I see a higher level of quality...

Thanks for the input p nut and woodpecker. I am still having the problem, and had an appointment at the dealer for this morning, but was getting another noise which I believe I have pinpointed to be the rear driver side axle bearing going out. I put the Runner on jackstands with wheels off and...

Another Update: Unfortunately, the shimmy was not gone as I had thought. I have had the wheels balanced, had an alignment done and checked for looseness in the steering and suspension again. This is getting frustrating. I love the Runner otherwise, but this "feature" is not good. We drove...

Looks good, thanks. If my new mast doesn't hold up, I may go that route.

Update: I installed the new steering rack bushings yesterday. I was wondering if this project would be worth the work, so before I started, I had my wife wiggle the steering wheel while I was under the Runner. There was definitely a lot of play in the bushings, so I felt good about going...