Steering help

Hello, I have a 02 taco with 345,000 miles in it. I just changed tires from 255/85/16 to 285/70/17. I’m starting to notice a lot of wandering and play in the steering. When I hit a crack in the road it seems to lunge that way, and when I brake I get a bad steering shimmy. About 20,000 miles ago I had the outer tie rods replaced and the shop said the inners were good. I don’t really trust them though because the improperly installed the outers. I also have a steering rack leak, not too bad but it drips a few drops in my driveway every night.

Now my question is, should I look at replacing the inner tie rods, or just replace the whole rack and the tie rods since it’s leaking? I’d like to not spend unessecary money, but I want to fix it right the first time!

 

Anytime you increase your tire diameter on a truck with significant miles, it will feel different. I recently went from 15 to 16" dia on a 95 with 255,000 and I feel steering play that I didn't feel before. I have also experienced this on other older 4x4 trucks, especially Fords.

With 345,000 and a leak, I'd replace the rack unless you know it has been replaced before.

 

inners plus leaking rack in my book means might as well get new rack which comes with inner tie rod ends. if it was just the inner TRE id replace them and if it was just a leaky rack id deal with it or try that

$15 at-205 re-seal stops leaks, 8 ounce bottle

at-205.

 

I’d also look at the wheel bearings as well. You’ve increased the leverage the wheels have on those parts too

 

So I only have about 500 miles on the new tire size. My thoughts were that I had these issues before but the wider tires exaggerated them to where I’m noticing them more now