Bent Frame?

[stever1000]

An update on this issue...

I replaced (all OEM) the following parts:

• 
  lower ball joints
  lower control arm bushings
  inner tie rod ends
  outer tie rod ends
  sway bar bushings
  sway bar end links
  steering rack bushings
  steering rack guide
  misc hardware associated with above parts

I got an alignment and the shop had no troubles doing so.

The vehicle drives great 75% of the time. When I hit large bumps the whole truck sways and shudders. Now I am not sure what it could be...

I am not sure if this has to do with the steering shaft wobbling (the vibration on the highway when going straight) and I need to either weld the shaft or pin it like I have seen on this forum? I feel vibration in the steering wheel and it rocks back and forth occasionally.

I plan to replace the rear sway bar bushings and end links (already have the parts) to see if that helps with the shudder/sway over bumps. Perhaps since the front end is tight now, and the rear may be worn (haven’t checked the rear control arms) this is contributing to the rear end moving slightly

I haven’t measured the frame (wanted to rule out the front end rebuild first) but I think a bent frame would contribute to a continuous problem, not intermittent… I will measure the wheel base as mentioned by another member, that will at least rule that out....

Any further thought on things to check?

 

[heat]

I'd check why the alignment shop didn't have any feedback on the issue.
They're the pros, they should know something about it.

 

[phattyduck]

What's the condition of the shocks on the truck? Large suspension hits will cause a slight amount of left right sway from the rear (panhard bar...) and worn shocks that are mismatched in strength left/right will also cause some nasty handling effects.

-Charlie

 

[stever1000]

What's the condition of the shocks on the truck? Large suspension hits will cause a slight amount of left right sway from the rear (panhard bar...) and worn shocks that are mismatched in strength left/right will also cause some nasty handling effects.

-Charlie

Hmm I will do the bounce test on each corner - they look in decent shape with no leaks but the age is unknown from the previous owner

 

[stever1000]

:bravo:

I'd check why the alignment shop didn't have any feedback on the issue.
They're the pros, they should know something about it.

I assumed the original shudder (which is gone or much less severe) was due to worn parts and a misalignment.

It has improved a lot, but there is still some wobble in the steering wheel and swerving over bumps

 

[stever1000]

I started a new thread which I hope may fix the last of the wobble...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/239110-steering-wheel-shake.html

I also read through all 5 pages of the steering guide thread and I think I loosened the nut too much after torquing it.
If that doesn't work I will go back to the alignment shop.