Alright, did a bunch of searching and didn't really find what i was searching for.

What i have is a '91 auto with Add. Started getting a vibration in the steering wheel so i took the 4runner up to the local tire shop and they balanced the wheels three times.
Finally they started looking at the front end and found that the passenger axle where it meets the differential has some play in it. If you take your hand and push up on the axle you can push up on the axle about 1/4" or so. The drivers side is real tight.
Am i looking at a bent axle, worn bearings or what?

What do you think?

Thanks.

 

I think they all do that.
Put on manual lockout hubs and see if it goes away with the hubs unlocked.

I think you will find the problem is in worn out steering components and bad tire and or balance.

 

Sounds like worn bushings inside the spindle. Toyota also makes a needle bearing replacement for the bronze bushings that are in there stock.

 

I wonder if this is similar to what I have. I can notice some play in the side gear shaft inside the gear shaft tube on the driver's side on my 94 4runner. That is the part before the differential, and it seems like there are some bearings inside there frome the FSM. Haven't gotten any answers on how much work it is to change it though.

 

Hmmmm...
Good idea. I think i will start with manual hubs and replace the bearings like Roger suggested. I'm at 229,000 miles so its time anyways.

Thanks everyone