Light steering on 08 4runner

[bbumbles]

Hi guy's,
not sure if there is anything I can do but my steering is very light and over sensative on my 08 Limited I have had this issue since new. I had an 04 limited that did not feel like this. I had my wife drive my truck because she has an 03 Sport with 160,000 and the first words out of her mouth was wow this thing feels allot looser than mine. I have had it checked at the dealer twice they said that is how the truck is. I also talked to the parts manager and he said there have been a bunch of different steering racks in these trucks from 03 to 09 so this is probably set lighter than some. So question is anyway to make this feel tighter I know I can't use a standard stabalizer with a steering rack. Any input would be great thanks.
Bill

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I don't know about a steering stabilizer on a 4th gen T4R.


What I would do is get it aligned. Make sure they set it to the upper end of the caster spec and have some toe-in set. Even though zero toe is within spec it doesn't drive/feel good that way.
I'm 97% sure you'll be happy after you do that.:cheers:

 

[bbumbles]

I had my friend at a local dealer line it up for me and it did not help. Maybe when I get home I am at work now will post the numbers for the alignement if i can find them then you can tell me what will help. thanks

 

[bbumbles]

ok here are the specs I have from the pront out.
Camber left front -.01 Camber right -0.2
Caster 3.5 Caster 3.5
Toe 0.05 Toe 0.03

Total Toe 0.08
Steer Ahead 0.01


Left Rear -0.2 camber Right Rear -0.3
Toe -0.06 Toe 0.06

Total toe 0.00
Thrust angle -0.06

how does this look anything that would throw me off?
thanks Bill

 

[SurfToy]

Do you have the same tires as your wife? What pressure do you run? I find if I keep my tires near the max, the car doesn't feel as 'floaty', and the gas mileage is optimal. Maybe something to look at.

 

[bbumbles]

Yep we have the same tires stock Bridgestones once they wear out soon I will get something different. I run about 32PSI in all 4 tires.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

ok here are the specs I have from the pront out.
Camber left front -.01 Camber right -0.2
Caster 3.5 Caster 3.5
Toe 0.05 Toe 0.03

Total Toe 0.08
Steer Ahead 0.01


Left Rear -0.2 camber Right Rear -0.3
Toe -0.06 Toe 0.06

Total toe 0.00
Thrust angle -0.06

how does this look anything that would throw me off?
thanks Bill

:shrug:Those numbers look good to me... I might have put a hair more toe, maybe. I don't know what to tell you...

 

[DaBoostCreep]

:shrug:Those numbers look good to me... I might have put a hair more toe, maybe. I don't know what to tell you...

Would you have done -.10 for toe?

My understanding is that the negative toe on a fwd/awd vehicle is useful because as the front end is under load from acceleration and such the front naturally wants to pull itself into a positive toe. Sound right?

 

[PlanetAlaska-]

Hi guy's,
not sure if there is anything I can do but my steering is very light and over sensative on my 08 Limited I have had this issue since new. I had an 04 limited that did not feel like this. I had my wife drive my truck because she has an 03 Sport with 160,000 and the first words out of her mouth was wow this thing feels allot looser than mine.

I have both the 04 and the 08. My 08 is also very light, but I love it that way. I think my 04 is too heavy in comparison.

 

[bbumbles]

Not me I don't like loose handles crappy can't track a straight line to save it life. I have a 40 year old Buick that handles roads better. Not too happy but everyone tells me there is nothing I can do.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Would you have done -.10 for toe?

My understanding is that the negative toe on a fwd/awd vehicle is useful because as the front end is under load from acceleration and such the front naturally wants to pull itself into a positive toe. Sound right?

Yes, I might shoot for .25 but without knowing the spec it's hard to say. I wouldn't want more than .4 though...

 

[bbumbles]

I have the spec on the printout I can add that tonight when I get home.

 

[bbumbles]

Here are the specs from the machine
0.6to -.09 camber left front -0.9 to 0.6 right front camber
4.0 to 2.5 caster 2.5 to 4.0 caster
-0.04 to 0.13 toe 0.13 to-0.04 toe

-0.08 to 0.25 total toe
-0.05 to 0.05 steer ahead

no specs for rear.
let me know what you think or if I am looking in the wrong place.
thanks

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Bringing the toe to .20 might help... I have not driven an '04 so it's hard for me to add much. I do know .2 would help but would it be enough of a difference to pay for another alignment? Your call but I don't think I would. If it's free or discounted, try it!

 

[bbumbles]

Thanks I have a friend that is a tech I can mention it to him. I have an 08 not an 04 my old 04 was better than my 08 I have now.

 

[TechWrench]

I would go with adjusting the tire pressure first. I run the stock Bridgestone H/T's at 37 on my '03 and it handles well. But, when I switch to the Revos for winter, I have to run them at no more than 35 or the front end starts to feel 'light'.

 

[Larry77]

Something they changed in '08? My '07 is the same as my '03 was...

 

[bbumbles]

I have run all different tire pressures and it did not help. I don't know if they changed anything from 03 to 08 but the dealer did say the truck had about 5 different steering racks in between those years. So I have no idea I know that this one feels different no doubt 100% sure just have no idea why?