Tightenin' up the front end .... advice?

[gman72]

Well - begun to work on my old baby ('94 4WD). Next year I'll be lifting it 3-4" and possibly get a diff. lock and a few other goodies. But that's next year ... 1st is a little TLC to get her running back the way she used to.....

So far - have done the following, looking for some tips and advice on what next:

1) Replaced shocks all around
2) Replaced front CV axles (boots were torn)
3) Replaced rotors, turned drums
4) New pads & shoes
5) New bearings, inner & outer on front

Front end still seems a bit loose. Any suggestions what the most common or likely cause for this would be? I looked at the tie rod ends, ball joints, bushings, etc, ... all "look" fine but at 170K miles I'm sure something should be replaced that's causing most of the looseness?

What would you recommend, in order of importance, to help tighten up the front end more?

Thanks!

 

[fourwd1]

The steering idler arm could be worn out.

It's rebuildable.

 

[Down2TheC]

Damn that's a sweet lookin' '94. Pretty impressive overhaul so far too. I'm new to the 4R but my old 'burban had wasted ball joints that caused a really loose front end feel. Also made it ineligible for alignment. Maybe if you take it to the local rack when she's back together they could help diagnose.

 

[gman72]

The steering idler arm could be worn out.

It's rebuildable.

Thanks for that link - I'll check it out. Funny how the Hayne's manual mentions nothing about the idler arm (at least I couldn't find it in there) --- but sure enough a quick crawl underneath and there it is.

I've been pretty rough on the suspension on this thing over the years - many-a-mile on some pretty rough off-road trails ... was thinking about just going ahead and replacing all tie-rod ends, ball-joints, etc .... shouldn't cost too much since I'm doin' all the work myself (minus the final alignment) ... but then again next year a 3-4" lift is on the agenda so I don't really wanna replace too much new stuff just to pay for it again next year. However, I do desire to have nice tight factory steering/suspension for the next year as well - and I'm not quite there yet ....

What priority would y'all put on the steering overhaul pieces? (i.e. tie-rods first? then ball-joints? etc...)
:driving:

 

[fourwd1]

Thanks for that link - I'll check it out. Funny how the Hayne's manual mentions nothing about the idler arm (at least I couldn't find it in there) --- but sure enough a quick crawl underneath and there it is.

What priority would y'all put on the steering overhaul pieces? (i.e. tie-rods first? then ball-joints? etc...)
:driving:

I wouldn't replace anything till I new it was bad.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[gman72]

Out of curiosity I drove it down to a local shop ... the guy wanted $750 to replace the 2 inner tie-rod ends, pitman & idler. then align it. OUT OF CONTROL!

Anyway, I went ahead and bought the 2 inner ends @ $24 ea. ... then since the outers were only $12 ea. picked those up too ... Pitman was another $20 or so. .... and rebuilding the Idler per your advice for a mere $22 total in parts.... the way I figure it, I get a near complete new steering sys (minus the gearbox obviously) ... for a mere $150 or so + my own do-it-as-I-have-time labor. (which I'm figuring about 4 hours dedicated time to get it all done).

The bigger problem now is ... now that I have all the steering out, I figured I'd fix that oil leak, which appeared to be the oil pan gasket ... but deeper looks reveal possibly a rear main seal - UGH! Perhaps I'll just button it all back up, go get it aligned, and deal with a minor oil leak for a while ??????????????

I don't think I dare begin the challenge of fixin' this leak yet .. nor do I desire to spend big $$ for somebody to fix it.... :bonk:

 

[gman72]

I wouldn't replace anything till I new it was bad.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I should've read this before proceeding LOL. I went ahead and just rebuilt nearly the entire front end (less ball joints). Finally got it all buttoned back up together - and all I can say is I sure have a tight front end now, but everything is so tight I feel like I'm drivin' a JEEP now instead of a 4Runner. Seems to be really bouncy (not loose, very tight bounces) ... either I'm just spoiled after drivin' my '03 4Runner ... or these aftermarket parts just don't restore the factory ride much.

Although the truck now handles better and is much more in control ... I almost wish everything was loose and sloppy again... was a much smoother ride on SoCal freeways :arrow:

 

[TimW]

Wow...that's a nice truck...if I hadn't seen mine in the garage, I'd swear you had my 1992 up on stands!