Play in the steering

[keithyota]

I notice steering play unlike my 1999 4runner and wandering. I thought was suspension, but now I wonder if it is either normal or steering related. I notice steering play described at 1:45 (steering wanders).

Steering Play Fix - YouTube
Anyone ever do this? I wouldn't weld or do this...curious

Other things to check first as noted...I've not done any of it so far.
Steering bushings
Steering guide
Tie rods

 

[MikeinNH67]

The common things I've read are the rack bushings and the steering u-joint going bad. I had the latter which was a bit of a pain to replace but it's now tight.

 

[randy88fj62]

What suspension do you have in the front?

The above statements are also correct:
- tie rod ends
- wheel bearings
- caster angle is out due to lift (ie check alignment)
- rack bushings
- upper and lower control arm bushings / ball joints
- really bad worn tires

 

[keithyota]

i just bought it...had monroe quickstruts, original XREAS went bad. Figured those were part of the problem and replaced with KYB Excel G's. I like the ride.

tires are somewhat cupped, shop said would correct itself over time, not too bad.
I'll have a shop check out all that stuff, above my knowledge.

 

[randy88fj62]

Did you get an alignment when you removed the XREAS and installed the KYB Struts? If not, that is your problem.

 

[Randolph the grey]

I'm just finishing a 2.5/2.0 lift on my 05' T4R with 220K miles. Before I installed the kit I noticed a rattle in the steering wheel on dirt roads, mainly on washboards or when the road gets rough. I checked the tie rods carefully and it looks like the it isn't coming from there. Is there a tried&true way to troubleshoot the steering to isolate the problem? Next on the todo list is bigger tires and alignment, so I want to make sure the suspension and steering is done first.

 

[keithyota]

yes alignment done, issue existed before and after, but it's better after.

 

[keithyota]

Confirmed with another Toyota the alignment was off/wrong from prior local shop. Drives more straight, steering wheel is straight.
The stability issue influenced by the lower control arms being frozen and the caster being off.

How hard to cut off lower control arms? I already had them lose to dot he suspension (at the ball joint) but they are frozen, couldn't get bolt loose.
Brand recommended daily road driving? Moog /Beck Arnley?
I assume only place to get bolts is Toyota...they don't seem to come with bolts.

 

[keithyota]

Before and after alignment (from local shop...2 weeks later...Toyota Dealer. 20201013-193332 — ImgBB

 

[keithyota]

anyone use energy suspension lower control arm bushings ...on the road? Improve handling and still last well? Or does it create too much road feel?