2002 4Runner Wandering Steering Fixed......and how !!

[Jack Wruff]

Big Fix on 2002 Toyota 4Runner.
Steering has wandered ever since buying 15 months ago and yesterday I found a thread that contained the solution. Required pulling steering column out and welding the slip link solid. Such a silly design feature. All other threads had a need to replace just about all items connected to steering. This fix is magic, takes all the random aspects of this car away and allows me to relax so much more which means more brain cells focusing on the simple act of driving. Very happy.
More driving and the detail increases. Because I don't have to chase the steering, the whole chassis is now so much more stable. In chasing the steering, the sway content is increased. I didn't realize how much !! 15 months of dissatisfaction is washed away. It's not a Volvo but is now a drivable car. Our first trip had it that at 300 miles, I was pooped out. Just reckoned I was getting too old for high mileage runs. Rubbish, this car will roll many miles without fatigue setting in and we have 3000 miles to do in Aug/Sept so I think the daunting aspect has gone. Just amazed at the change.

 

[ToyotaBrah]

Glad to hear you solved it. Could the same results be achieved if you replaced the slip joint?

I replaced my steering rack bushings, but there is still some marginal play in the wheel. I have new Toyota tie rods I'll be installing to see if it helps any.

 

[AZBub]

The power of the search function helps another member. I used a roll pin, worked great, been there for years now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[silver4est]

Glad to hear you solved it. Could the same results be achieved if you replaced the slip joint?

I replaced my steering rack bushings, but there is still some marginal play in the wheel. I have new Toyota tie rods I'll be installing to see if it helps any.

Yes you can attain the same result by replacing the slip joint, but this way saves lots of dollars.

My question is, can a pre 98 steering shaft be used on a 99+? those did not have the slip joint correct? I have not been able to find anyone local that will allow me to do this, not even farmer friends that weld and jerry rid their equipment.

I don't see much difference between this fix and using a non collapsing shaft, except this "may" still collapse in the event of accident

can seek out a 98ish steering shaft from junkyard and swap it in?

 

[rightyouareken]

Yes you can attain the same result by replacing the slip joint, but this way saves lots of dollars.

My question is, can a pre 98 steering shaft be used on a 99+? those did not have the slip joint correct? I have not been able to find anyone local that will allow me to do this, not even farmer friends that weld and jerry rid their equipment.

I don't see much difference between this fix and using a non collapsing shaft, except this "may" still collapse in the event of accident

can seek out a 98ish steering shaft from junkyard and swap it in?

The 98s certainly still have the slip joint. A friend of mine welded his 98 slip joint for the same fix.

He also had to do the "spacer" mod shown in Timmy's video here, which reduces the slop in the plastic ball hinge joint: YouTube