Suspension? First Time Owner

[ljwd]

Just bought my first 4Runner: 1998 V6 4x4 (limited). I've already learned a great deal by browsing this forum, but have several questions. I'll start and if this isn't the correct place to post, let me know.
(178,000 miles, two-owner..both from my county, first owner was a woman in her 60's who had all maint records from dealership, 2nd owner was a nurse who drove 60 miles round trip to the hospital for 6 years...appears to be well maintained, but the second owner has no records and did not go to dealership for service)
I've already put on new tires (LTX MS2) and replaced front brakes/rotors.
1) Alignment feels fine, but I had asked tire dealership to do one when mounting tires. They said they could/would not because the lower ball joints were so bad that it would not hold. They said suspension does not appear abused, just old.-----Should I have them replace the upper ball joints at the same time I have them do the lower??
2) New tires made an amazing difference. There is still some "shimmy" in the steering wheel. I know the tires are balanced because if you take your hands off the wheel, you feel no vibration...it's just in the steering. Is that due to the bad ball joints?? Is it dangerous to drive until it is fixed?
I have other questions, but have already written too lengthy. Thanks!

 

[Mano1124]

you should definitely replace the lower ball joint with OEM. I just purchased the upper and lower ball joints with lower ball joint bolts for $260 at the local dealership. You can check out toyotapartsales.com. Check out this link.

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

 

[ljwd]

Thanks--that's good to know because I was going to have the tire shop order them. I like the service dept of our local Toyota dealer, so I'll check with them. I take it to them next week for a good once-over.
---So, go ahead and replace both?
---Do you think that is what is causing the slight shimmy in the steering wheel?
---Is there anything else in the front suspension that should be done while replacing ball joints (not looking to spend money, but want to get this ready as a DD)

 

[brian2sun]

Thanks--that's good to know because I was going to have the tire shop order them. I like the service dept of our local Toyota dealer, so I'll check with them. I take it to them next week for a good once-over.
---So, go ahead and replace both?

The uppers don't see the kind of stress the lowers do and I've never even heard of one failing. The lowers are a known issue though. I would save the money and don't bother with the uppers unless the boots are torn. Also, the lowers don't require a press like the uppers do so they are a lot easier to replace yourself.

---Do you think that is what is causing the slight shimmy in the steering wheel?

No, probably not. If it's shimmying as your driving down the road in a straight line, than it's probably your inner and/or outer tie rods or possibly steering rack bushings. If it shimmies when you hit the brakes, it's your rotors. If you hit a pothole and can't recover for a few seconds, then it may be your LBJs.

---Is there anything else in the front suspension that should be done while replacing ball joints (not looking to spend money, but want to get this ready as a DD)

Replies in red^^. Like mentioned above, the inner and outer TREs, LBJs, steering rack bushings are the main culprits. Check your upper and lower control arm bushings too and make sure they aren't torn and worn out.

 

[ljwd]

Replies in red^^. Like mentioned above, the inner and outer TREs, LBJs, steering rack bushings are the main culprits. Check your upper and lower control arm bushings too and make sure they aren't torn and worn out.

Thank you so much! Yes, it is shimmying going down the road in a straight line, no braking...new pads and rotors. The new tires have made it so smooth that the shimmying in the steering seems extra bad and is quite disconcerting. I'm no mechanic, so I'll ask the shop to check the TRE's and steering rack bushings as you mention above. I will also just replace the LBJs and save money from doing the uppers. Thanks again!!!!

 

[brian2sun]

Have the shop still check the uppers, but they're probably ok.

 

[ljwd]

it is shimmying going down the road in a straight line.

Yes, but just the steering wheel. It tracks as straight as an arrow. Take your hand off the wheel and you don't feel any shimmy or vibration whatsoever. It cannot be tires.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

it is shimmying going down the road in a straight line.

Yes, but just the steering wheel. It tracks as straight as an arrow. Take your hand off the wheel and you don't feel any shimmy or vibration whatsoever. It cannot be tires.

Don't worry about that persons post. It's just a spammer trying to get people to click on his link about gucci bullsh*t