Just test drove a 2001 4runner 4wd.

It noticeably pulls to the left when you give it gas and then goes to the right when you back off the gas.

It's more pronounced the faster you go.
At 30 mph it's slightly noticeable and at 50 mph very noticeable.
I didn't try it faster than that as it didn't seem safe.

It's seems more pronounced in 2WD than 4WD.

One of the rear sway bar end links is broken.

Not sure if that's the problem but I've never noticed that with my other trucks with the sway bar disconnected.

Any ideas from the 3rd gen guru's?

thanks

 

Bad rack and pinion, tie rods are shot, ball joints are shot. Be very careful those are not problems to be taken lightly.

 

So is it the change in weight transfer when accelerating/decelerating on the front end that causes those symptoms?

 

I mean that's what it sounds like to me. I'd have the front end checked out immediately. Perhaps even a brake shoe/pad is dragging.

 

If it's a brake or wheel bearing issue, you can pretty much bet that that wheel is getting very hot. Just walk around the truck after a test drive and CAREFULLY touch the back of your hand to the hub. If one is a lot hotter than the others, there's your issue. If not, front end, like the man said above.

DON'T BURN YOURSELF.

 

I would think if something was dragging it would pull all the time right?
Not just when you backed off the gas?

 

Check all control arms, front and rear.

 

I will add broken or really worn engine or transmission mount

under load the engine torques left off the throttle things go back into place since your correcting from going left you now go right.

It like was said can be anything in the front end.

Even something as simple as your broken sway bar link depending on how sensitive you are to the handling of the truck.

It can also be in the rear as well weak spring or bad shocks can do strange things

 

I was wondering about the motor mount.
I also thought a shock mount was broken but they checked out ok.

 

I'd start with the sway bar links. Quick, cheap and easy.

 

Update.
Passed on this truck.
Found a 2000 that steers normally.