MunkeyTX

Howdy guys!

I bought a new to me '98 4Runenr SR5 4x4 w/ 257k on the clock, and one of the major things that annoys me is how is steers. On the straight highway, it's fine, but as soon as you come across any imperfections in the road, the steering feels very loose and my 4Runner wants to dart all over the road.

Visual inspection shows that the swaybar bushing are shot...but does that really have anything to do with the steering issues? I had the front end up in the air, and pushed the tires left and right while watching the steering rack...it seemed pretty solid, even when I jerked on it.

What would you guys recommend? Full bushing replacement (swaybar, and steering rack), or is there something else I'm not looking at?

Thanks!

SoCalPaul

Check the springs & shocks, if they're bad, you will be bouncing off the rubber bumpstops causing poor ride & handling.

BajaRunner

Most likely your rack and pinion (steering gear and mechanism) bushings are shot. Its a cheap fix. Find some made my energy suspension. You can buy them at wheelersoffroad.com

Second, test your ball joints. On the ground, grope your front tires like a bear and try to wiggle them vertically. If there is some play, then you'll need to replace those.

Visually inspect your tie rod ends as well.

Springs + shocks might help, but, there are other components that will go first.

Is there a lift on the vehicle? If so that contributes to an offset in caster angle.

Quattro15

+1 on the bushings....i just ordered some from Wabfab Offroad

MunkeyTX

Thanks guys, both are super cheap and easy to do.

SC4Runner,
Thanks for the link; are those replacements from Energy Suspension, or are they just wheelersoffroad.com's own version?

Quattro15,
I've seen a lot of people recommend Wabfab, but their webpage layout is horrible...where did you find the bushings on their page?