Front End Suspension/Steering

I have loved my 2014 Tacoma V6 Crew/short box going on 10 years now....195k miles... best vehicle ever! I decided I'm going to keep it for at least 10 more so I need to make some improvements. Starting about a year ago I noticed(actually my wife said something) the steering feeling "heavy" and the front end "wandering" a little at highway speeds. I've been doing some research but it's a little overwhelming. I'm trying to figure out where to start! Any advice would be most appreciated!

 

Google around for uppersteering shaft on your Tacoma it is part of the steering shaft that has a ujoint in it and that gets crusty and binds the steering, hard steering and clunky steering

 

Check the rack and pinion bolts. Those tend to loosen up and retorque them to 68ft lbs.

 

Could be anything suspension related honestly. Ball joints are a good idea to replace at that mileage regardless if they haven't been touched already, when they fail, it can be catastrophic and without any warnings.. I'd also check bearings, upper and lower control arms, inner and outer tie rods for play. Plenty of how-to videos on YouTube to check for these suspension problems. I'd start here and then if all checks out, move into the steering rack as mentioned above.

 

I bought my '06 4x4 with 120k miles and considered the front end needed to be fully rebuilt then. At 140K I replaced every wear part on the front end (all bushings, rubber, shocks) including inner and outer tie rods, drop links, UCA/LCA....everything!! Truck drove like new. Best $$ I spent. Within another 10K I did the wheel bearings too. Remember even tires and air pressure will make a difference in drivability.

 

Did the same with my old Honda and agree it felt like it was a brand new vehicle. Money well spent, and peace of mind for the next 10+ years.