Front End Still Feels Like CRAP!

Is something loose at the rear suspension?

Are the LCA cam bolts at 100 lb/ft?

 

2x
I was given a set of spacer lifts with my truck and I am glad I didn't install them. All they do is put extra strain on the suspension components. I used bilstein 5100s on my 96 and got around a 2inch lift and a pretty good ride.

 

This is exactly what I would expect from a spacer lift. The spacer is using up part (or almost all of it in your case with a 3" lift) of your travel. While this is true for all IFS lifts, spacer lifts are the cheapest option and no matter what other parts you throw at your truck, weld the steering column, etc.. It's still going to ride like you have 1" of travel because that's what you have.

 

Sooooooo, my steering column is totally shot! There is more than a 1/4" play in it. The two steering shafts are so loose that no wonder the truck feels like changing lanes by itself when ever I hit a pot hole! So #3 is the freaking cause of all this.

 

Besides the dreaded steering shaft weld mod, I am ditching the 3" lift spacers and going with the Bilstein shocks all around. This weld here was done by someone here on the forums, does not look hard to do. Gonna try for this Friday and I will let you guys know how it turned out.

 

Ditching the spacer lift is going to make a big difference.

The weld is easy. Anyone with any amount of welding experience would be able to put a tack weld on there.

 

I used to have an old Chevy C1500 that I put 2” lift spacers on the front… that damn truck hopped all over the place. Spacer’s definitely roughen a ride.
Anyways, on my 03 Taco I got now, I just recently did the entire front end and used the Energy Suspension poly bushings kit. I was trying to eliminate annoying noises. It ended up decreasing my noise problem but also significantly increased the overall tightness to my drive, and yes I did get an alignment after I did all that. I only run 28 psi on my tires . Definitely weld those steering column shafts. If I had that much play, I’d do it too. I’ll probably end up doing that if/when I need to replace anything on my steering system as well.
Good luck to u.

 

I got more info on this common gen1 problem, my steering shaft are so bad, my mechanic is doing the welds as I post this now. My new shocks do not come in until the 29th

 

Following for updates. Considering doing this Tac weld mod as well. I was having similar uneven freeway wandering after changing most everything up front. An alignment seemed to mostly fix it, but may check this out as well.

 

I had the same shaft issue and it took me forever to figure out. I pulled one from a junkyard and had it installed. Let us know how the weld goes for future reference

 

I think you guys are placing too high of hopes on the tack weld solving the issue. Even nice coilovers (KINGs, Icons, ADS) cranked up to 3" are going to cause a very harsh ride (unless you custom valve them), once you drop down to the quality of a spacer lift, ya just don't stand a chance. In both cases, you're pre compressing the spring so that the truck sits higher within the travel range. The further you compress it, the more it wants to pop back.

 

Just had the weld mod done and yes the problem is gone! There is absolutely NO play on the steering. Now for the highway test!

 

Well, I can tell you it FIXED 90% of my problem! No more uneven freeway wandering, or the truck trying to change lanes by itself when hitting a pothole or large bump!Getting rid of the front aluminum spacers should fix the other 10% , my shocks do not come in until the 29th , so it was for sure worth doing the weld mod , I had more than a 1/4" play in the steering column shafts.

 

I wonder why the column has that slip joint in it. Ease of installation comes to mind, but also I wonder if it’s supposed to collapse in a wreck.

 

Bingo.

 

That is what it's designed for, but the plastic inserts through time wear out so much that you get the problem we all will eventually have to deal with at one point or another. I spent money on my entire front end to get to this point. But, I should had known when I noticed that much play on the steering wheel. I am just glad that my truck feels brand new now!

 

Fixed the problem is nice, but I’m not sure a tack weld is the right approach and miiiiight kill you later.

 

The problem is that the plastic inserts are not available from the stealer, and you have only two choices :
1. drill two holes and insert 2 roll pins or
2. weld the two slip joints together
The play in the steering shaft is dangerous, especially in the rain. If I am going to be driving that fast that the steering wheel is going to ram into my chest in a accident, then I do not have any business driving. LoL , no but seriously it's night & day in the stiffness in the steering.

 

3. 3D Print the parts.

 

Got to have a set of good ones to do that, but you are welcome to make some, I would buy a set, I have a spare column to put it into if you do make them.