swaying 4runner (wife's mad) help!

[JackJones2121]

swaying 98 4runner (wife's mad)

I just bought the truck several weeks ago. I know the tires are new and the rear shocks have been replaced. I just had the allignment done last weekend. Every time I hit a bump in the road or go over an uneven surface the truck seems to sway. I can't drive it at all, even if just a dusting of snow falls. I bought it for my wife cause I thought it would be safe for her. NOT! I'm sure someone out there knows what is going on. Please help!!!!!!!!!!!truck has high miles 160,000

 

[JackJones2121]

I just bought the truck several weeks ago. I know the tires are new and the rear shocks have been replaced. I just had the allignment done last weekend. Every time I hit a bump in the road or go over an uneven surface the truck seems to sway. I can't drive it at all, even if just a dusting of snow falls. I bought it for my wife cause I thought it would be safe for her. NOT! I'm sure someone out there knows what is going on. Please help!!!!!!!!!!!truck has high miles 160,000

 

[wolfgang]

I'd replace all the shocks with quality (stiffer than OEM) ones - like Bilstein. With that many miles I'd also consider replacing the rear springs at the same time. Curious as to what you/she is comparing it to? It will never handle like a BMW or Honda Civic -- it has a much higher center of gravity. Also what tires are on it --- stock size? And are they passenger tires with soft side walls vice LT tires with stiffer side walls? What's air pressure in tires. Are sway bars connected? Is vehicle set at stock height?

 

[fishrod]

Is it definetly swaying or is it skidding/sliding from side to side?

I know my 4runner has terrible grip in the snow with the rear wheel drive only. Just have to take it easy in the snow or lock in the 4 wheels.

 

[410toy]

check your rear control arms the 4runner has a 4link connection in back with a pan hard bar. check all of these for corrosion and make sure they are tight!!!!!!! also the bushings that are at the ends of all these bars. change then if they need to be replaced you can tell by seeing if they are cracked rubber will only last about 100000 miles if that. also if everything is fine and its just the way the truck rides at stock setup get addco sway bars and bilstien shocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[J.A.]

Surprised you didnt notice all that on the test drive. Check all the bushings as mentioned earlier as after 160k they s/b shot...make the switch to poly. You can read about upgrading the sway bars Addcos), shocks (Bilsteins) and poly bushings (ES) on my site. Good luck.