1st gen steering issue

Hello, I’m back again trying to figure out what’s wrong with my 97 Tacoma. When I hit any sort of bump whether it be a dip, speed bump, or even uneven freeway my steering wheel pulls left on impact, and once it lifts it pulls to the right every time. I’ve done almost everything I can think of such as new shocks, lower ball joints, outer tie rods, steering rack bushings, alignment, tires, and even new rear shocks and it still does the same thing. I have uniball uppers, king 2.5 OEs, and icon 2.0 external resis in the rear for reference, but this issue has persisted long before I put the goodies on. Any help/input would be appreciated.

 

Have you had it aligned? If so did the shop give you any info? If all else is in order I would start looking into symptoms of a bad rack and replace it with an OEM rack from Ourisman. Mine was not as bad but had a constant pull to the right, just enough to put you in the ditch if you let go of the wheel. Now it drives like new and will go where you point it (look ma, no hands . . . )

There is also some shenanigans that go on with the actual steering column, the column is designed to come apart in a front end collision so it doesn't impale you but can contribute to stability issues. There is a "fix" involving a weld (search around here, you'll find it.) It may be that, but my first instinct is the rack.

 

Since this issue existed before the new suspension upgrades, it's likely related to rack and pinion centering.
The steering rack needs to be centered before setting toe alignment. If it’s off-center, the tie rods won’t move evenly, causing instability.
Check if your steering rack was installed properly, especially after doing new rack bushings.

Good luck and I wish you luck on finding the issue!!

 

Are you still running the anti-sway bar?

 

Yes I had it aligned, and they didn't say anything about anything being abnormal, though it did take a long time where they went on multiple test drives so that should have been sign number one that something was wrong. I was thinking it might be the rack since before the bushing replacement It was moving the whole rack when I was turning. I wont lie in saying I am a little bit intimidated by the job of replacing it though haha.

 

that's what its starting to sound like is the issue, thank you!

 

No I'm not running the swaybar anymore

 

Have you replaced the control arm bushings? Symptoms sound a bit extreme for it to be them, but could be a factor

 

the uppers yes when I threw the uniball arms on, but I haven’t touched the lowers yet. I didn’t even think about the bushings.