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Tie Rods, Tie Rod End Question

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by Toy4Life, Feb 20, 2009.

  1. Feb 20, 2009 at 5:01 PM
    #1
    Toy4Life

    Toy4Life [OP] 668: The Neighbor of the Beast

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    92 4Runner SR5 3.0v6 4x4(sold) 02 Tacoma SR5 TRD Offroad 4x4 (sold)
    I bought a fixer upper 92 4Runner 4x4 V6. I'm trying to diagnose a steering/suspension issue. I noticed, somewhat at random, that the front wheels will shimmy severely. I have it up on jack stands and the wheels have quita a bit of play side to side. Is this tie rods or ball joints? If it is tie rods, how do you figure out which tie rod end needs replaced.

    Also, is it just coincidence that this problem wasn't evident during a previous test drive or during the 60 mile drive home after purchase? The very next time I drove this 4Runner after bringing it home. this problem surfaced.

    Any help is appreciated.
     
  2. Feb 20, 2009 at 5:49 PM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    FlimFlubberJAM
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    Hard to tell from your description. Grab the TRE's and see if you can feel if they are loose.
     
  3. Feb 20, 2009 at 5:56 PM
    #3
    Toy4Life

    Toy4Life [OP] 668: The Neighbor of the Beast

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    I'll look into it. I've never dealt with tie rods before.
     
  4. Feb 20, 2009 at 6:00 PM
    #4
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    You amy want to look at the steering rack bushings, as they will cause some shimmy if the rack bushings are gone.
     
  5. Feb 20, 2009 at 6:01 PM
    #5
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Oh, and to check the ball joint, remove the tire, and pull on the spindle to see if you can feel any movement in the joint.
     
  6. Feb 20, 2009 at 6:14 PM
    #6
    Toy4Life

    Toy4Life [OP] 668: The Neighbor of the Beast

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    Sorry Chris, compared to the Tacoma, this runner is very foreign to me. The Tacoma was my 1st 4wd. This.........it's like starting from scratch. The tie rod ends seem a little loose and the little grease boots are torn. I'm guessing that alone is enough to replace them.
     
  7. Feb 20, 2009 at 6:20 PM
    #7
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Yep. Thats a good indicator.
     
  8. Feb 20, 2009 at 6:23 PM
    #8
    Toy4Life

    Toy4Life [OP] 668: The Neighbor of the Beast

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    Thanks Chris. I'll look into the rack bushings as well.
     
  9. Feb 20, 2009 at 6:25 PM
    #9
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    I cant remember if the 94 Runner has a R&P or Rec. Ball. I'll see what I can dig up.
     
  10. Feb 20, 2009 at 6:29 PM
    #10
    Toy4Life

    Toy4Life [OP] 668: The Neighbor of the Beast

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    I can't find a rack.
     
  11. Feb 20, 2009 at 6:31 PM
    #11
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Its a Rec. Ball steering. Not hard to work on.
     
  12. Feb 20, 2009 at 6:31 PM
    #12
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    Did you get my PM?
     

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