HELP with steering pull

[JT3HN86R]

I bought a used 98 4Runner Limited with 168K miles a week or so ago. I knew when I drove it that it had a pretty bad pull to the right. Looking underneath everything looked good with NO rust, new tires and one new tie rod. I took it to the alignment shop and had it aligned. Also had the tires rotated and balanced. The guy says that he couldn't get it lined up perfectly. I get in it and it still pulls to the right. I then replaced the rack bushings and it made a big big difference. It pulls to the right still but erratically. I did notice that there is ONE new tie rod end on the right side. Measuring the distance to the castle nut, the rod end on the right is 6" in length and the left tie rod end measured 5.75".
The ball joints look good, upper and lower. No movement when I pull on the tires with the truck on jackstands. No movement in the rack either. Can someone shed some light on the situation? The steering wheel is off center by a slight bit. Shouldn't the tie rod ends be the same length? Any ideas about the pull? Could it be a wheel bearing or a bent spindle?
The height of the two sides is about 1/2" different.
Thanks in advance.

Joe

 

[BrianSD_42]

olice:

Hi,

Does the 4Runner still have the original LBJs? I discovered there was something wrong with my LBJ when my alignment went bad, causing incorrect tread wear.

If your LBJ fail while driving it would be very bad.

The ball joints look good, upper and lower.

I don't know how to tell if they are about to fail. How did you determine they were "good to go"?


http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/88252-new-twist-lower-ball-joint-failure.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/67793-you-should-replace-your-ball-joints.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/72767-4runner-down.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/84794-ball-joint-failure-my-turn.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/problems-warranty-issues/71656-2001-lower-ball-joint-recall.html

:driving:

 

[brian2sun]

If the alignment guy couldn't get it aligned, then he should have at least told you why he can't - and that should be obvious to an alignment shop. What couldn't he make the adjustment on? Was something already maxed out? If he can't tell you why, you paid him to do nothing.

 

[JT3HN86R]

If the alignment guy couldn't get it aligned, then he should have at least told you why he can't - and that should be obvious to an alignment shop. What couldn't he make the adjustment on? Was something already maxed out? If he can't tell you why, you paid him to do nothing.

You are exactly right. I am taking the truck to him in the morning. He will either get it lined up or explain why he could not. If he CANT get it lined up I expect my money back. Will let you know what happens.

Joe