My Rig, some questions?

[Nedster]

'sup all, haven't posted much here, so i figure i do a proper introduction. This is my '00 SR5. 124,000km on it, bought it recently, it's in a wicked shape, just couldn't pass this up. I have since lifted it, OME 882 with comfort shocks up front and 891's with comfort shocks in the back, diff. drop. Mickey Thompson Classic Lock 16x8 wheels with Michelin LTX M/S 285/75/16's. A few little things here and there but that's about it. I love the lift, a lot more responsive, and feels more solid on the road. A little jumpy over rough roads but within limits of acceptable.

Now, i do have one question. Since the lift i have this thing happening that's a little hard to explain. It's not a vibration, but my steering wheel when i go above 80km/h (50miles) seems like it gets a mind of his own. If you hold it loosely it seems like it's wandering about when it should be staying straight. Now, the alignment is done, although the guy said that some bolts to get the right (caster or camber i can't remember exactly) have rusted up and he couldn't get it just right. I believe the spec said 0.6 and now it's at 0.5 (or the other way around). It drives straight although it does seem to have a slight pull to the right. Tires are apparently ballansed, although my left tire does not have a single weight on it. Hard to believe that tire's this size would not have at least some weight on them.

So what do you think this might be? Should I just get a new alignment and re-balance and go from there, or is there something else it might be causing my steering wheel to bounce around. And yes the alignment was done with the old stock tires after the lift. Should i have waited for the big ones to be on? Anyways, any help is greatly appriciated. Thanks!

P.S: If anybody is considering the same lift/rims/wheels and has questions or want me to take close up pictures, just let me know

 

[bgmac]

Nice Wheels!! I had just the standard M/T classics awhile back on a different ride. How do you like your PIAA? I was thinking about switching out my Hellas for a set of those. MSR 510's?

 

[fightman80]

I would get the tires re-balanced 1st, then talk to someone about the allignment again.

P.S: I've got the Procomp Version of those same wheels......and love them!

 

[Pikeman]

The other thing to look at is the steering rack bushings, and possibly replace with the Poly if they are worn. Look under your truck at the steering rack while you have someone turn side to side.

 

[LINY4Runner]

Steering rack bushings are very common on these trucks. I'd start there.

Also, while you're under there, check the inner tie rods too. They have a ball and socket joint that commonly gets loose and causes the symptoms you're describing.


Sweet rig, BTW...rubbing at all without a body lift?

 

[Nedster]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, it does look like an isolated steering issue. Now tat i think about it, i kind of had it before the lift, but barely noticable. Could it be that the lift just made it more pronounced?

@bgmac - the ones i have are the MSR525's with extreme white bulbs. I also bought the H4 Piaa headlight replacement bulbs to match. I never had any other lights to compare them to though, but i can tell you one thing, i was a few yards in front of them when my friend flicked them on, i felt for a second like the aliens where sucking me into their saucer Light everywhere

@LINY4Runner - yup, rubbing on the inside bottom end of the mud flap, when flexed a bit. Other then that nothing! Very pleased, the wheels are -12 spacing which probably helped a bit. I think it can be easily fixed so there's no rubbing at all.

@Pikeman - What should i be looking for while turning the steering shaft? some play in it?

 

[Pikeman]

There are 3 mounting locations on the steering rack. Driver side bolt is parellel to the ground front to back, middle is a vertical bolt and passenger is a U-clamp. Look at the driver side bolt. if they are worn you will see considerable movement. Mine was about .5" up and down as it turned. I purchased my kit from a local shop and have PolyPro brand, still waiting to be installed. Energy suspension makes a kit for the Tacoma that works on the 4Runner also but I heard one of the bushing sleeves is to small for one of the bolts and needs to be slightly enlarged. Wheeler's Off Road has a kit specifically for the 4Runner. the kits run 18-24 depending on where you buy.