Front end slips when turning after lift 1999 4Runner

[CharliePR74]

Greetings guys. I decided to lift my 4Runner and did it couple of years ago. Since then, two symptoms came up to bother me:

1. Steering wheel won't go back to the center (go straight) after making a sharp turn; steering all the way. You have to help it by turning it back yourself at the beginning and then it keeps going until it gets to the center.
2. When making left sharp turns (steering wheel close to full turn but not completely), most of the time, you'll feel the front end slipping to the right, like if something broke but no noises whatsoever. Feels like the tires are fighting one with each other and on certain the whole front end just gives up and then slips (left wheel pushing the right wheel) ------->>>>>>

Seems related to change in geometry of the steering system as a result of the lift, but seems pretty odd to me as I have not seen threads about it.

Took it for alignment twice after doing the lift, everything was found to be in good conditions and alignment within specs. Other than that, she runs fine, no noises and straight like an arrow.

Thoughts, recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[cashmoney]

How much did you lift and what type of lift? Guarantee your camber and caster are out.

 

[4yotaguy]

I just finished a 3" "ultimate" lift on mine and just driving it around the parking lot before I aligned it; it felt totally unsafe! I went down the street, turned and so forth, but it was horrible with similar symptoms you mention. I did the alignment and the difference is amazing. You may want to start there!

 

[s20004runner]

Greetings guys. I decided to lift my 4Runner and did it couple of years ago. Since then, two symptoms came up to bother me:

1. Steering wheel won't go back to the center (go straight) after making a sharp turn; steering all the way. You have to help it by turning it back yourself at the beginning and then it keeps going until it gets to the center.
2. When making left sharp turns (steering wheel close to full turn but not completely), most of the time, you'll feel the front end slipping to the right, like if something broke but no noises whatsoever. Feels like the tires are fighting one with each other and on certain the whole front end just gives up and then slips (left wheel pushing the right wheel) ------->>>>>>

Seems related to change in geometry of the steering system as a result of the lift, but seems pretty odd to me as I have not seen threads about it.

Took it for alignment twice after doing the lift, everything was found to be in good conditions and alignment within specs. Other than that, she runs fine, no noises and straight like an arrow.

Thoughts, recommendations?

Thanks!

#1 - look up caster. It's normal cause your stock control arms can't be adjusted.

#2 - probably alignment (toe angles) to be specific.

 

[Konkordmusk]

#1 - look up caster. It's normal cause your stock control arms can't be adjusted.

#2 - probably alignment (toe angles) to be specific.

The stock lower control arms CAN be adjusted for caster and camber. However, after a lift, the range of adjustment is decreased due to the geometry. The correction method most use is getting adjustable upper control arms.
I'm willing to bet your caster is well below spec, which is around 3° for these trucks. Anything less than 1° will give you the reduced wheel centering. Toe will not cause this issue.

 

[s20004runner]

The stock lower control arms CAN be adjusted for caster and camber. However, after a lift, the range of adjustment is decreased due to the geometry. The correction method most use is getting adjustable upper control arms.
I'm willing to bet your caster is well below spec, which is around 3° for these trucks. Anything less than 1° will give you the reduced wheel centering. Toe will not cause this issue.

#1 - Yep, LCA can be adjusted and I meant that the UCA can't be adjusted. This is normal.

#2, I didn't read it carefully. I thought it was going straight. On a turn.. not sure. check all the tie rods (incl inner) and your steering rack.

Or drive another another lifted t4r to see if their car is different.

 

[CharliePR74]

Did a 1" to 1.5" lift, not much as I just wanted to increase clearance between bump stops. I noticed an improvment in terms of how the suspension behaves, it is softer now. Just replaced my KYB's for a pair of Tundra adjustable Bilsteins, used original coil springs although I am thinking on replacing those with a pair of OME's...

Regarding issue #2, those turns are at very low speed, usually when moving from a tight space or trying to get in or out of a parking spot.

I will take it again for alignment and discuss the issue with the technicians. Keep you posted.

Thanks!

 

[JayRolla]

Did a 1" to 1.5" lift, not much as I just wanted to increase clearance between bump stops. I noticed an improvment in terms of how the suspension behaves, it is softer now. Just replaced my KYB's for a pair of Tundra adjustable Bilsteins, used original coil springs although I am thinking on replacing those with a pair of OME's...

Regarding issue #2, those turns are at very low speed, usually when moving from a tight space or trying to get in or out of a parking spot.

I will take it again for alignment and discuss the issue with the technicians. Keep you posted.

Thanks!

Like stated if camber is out when you turn sharp the camber increases and your "maybe bald" tires will run on there edge and front end slips.

The steering wheel not coming back into place is because the caster is now way off. Most likely the shop could not get you enough because they are not adjusting and the lift makes it worse. Also bad inner and or outer tie rod ends can cause this, it will return only as far as it can and then stop if there is a lot of play in the steering components.

 

[white_n_slow]

Take it in again and watch them do the alignment, make them show you their measurements before and after. When I installed my second SS lift, it displayed the characteristics you describe. I got it aligned but quickly knocked it out of spec bashing the truck on the trail. Took it for a second alignment and told them exactly what I was looking for (not a spec out of a book or spreadsheet) and they were able to get it fixed.