Rough handling and shimmy over bumps and potholes

Just got a suspension inspection and was told everything was tight and in good shape. But every time I hit a large bump or go over rough roads I lose control and it feels like my front end lifts off the ground at higher speeds. I have a 99 prerunner with 212k miles and everything is up to date. Any advice would be great, thanks

 

Just how fast are you going?

If the roads are that bad slow down or avoid them.

 

In my experience, some techs just cant be bothered, or dont know what to look for. Additionally, they’re usually really only looking for obviously broken stuff, not stuff that can wear out and make a difference. For example I took my truck to two mechanics a total of 4 or so times with wild wandering issues and specifically asked them to check suspension. nobody noticed the crumbling sway bar bushings or that my rack and pinion was moving around like crazy due to loose bolts. I had to do it myself. Unfortunately you just cant pay someone else to give a shit, it seems. Also, they don’t drive your truck normally so they don’t know what it feels like.

in my experience the sway bar bushings and rack and pinion bushings made a bigg difference. The rear leafs are weak now and causing a little wiggle, so i have an add a leaf on the way.

 

Agreed Rastopher.

Check tire pressures as well. I had gross over inflation of my tires after a balance and rotate that it made my truck scary as shit to drive. It floated all over and was super sketchy.

You know how old your shocks are, so check for fluid. Bushings, are big. Alignments are big. Inner and outer tie rods are big. Again, you know your ball joint situation so check and replace those too....

 

A lot of shops over-inflate tires, it really is kind of worrisome. I swear they see the "MAX PSI" rating on the sidewall and figure it's the PSI they should be set at. I had a tire shop put mine to 50+ psi once. Felt like the back end was going to swing out on me on the highway

 

When were the shocks last changed out or rebuilt?

 

if the front struts are original they are way past their prime.

 

Same with coils and leafs

 

My new tires were over inflated when I got them, had to take 10 psi out of them and they feel pretty good now.