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Front End Still Feels Like CRAP!

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by gusto11071, Oct 23, 2022.

  1. Oct 23, 2022 at 3:36 PM
    #41
    Rusty66

    Rusty66 Ain’t Afraid

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    You can't run the tires at more than 30-32 on a 1st gen. I always kept mine right at 29 and it was acceptable, the door tag shows 26 psi as spec. If you run 35+ that thing will crash over bumps I don't care if the front end is all new.
     
    cryptolime likes this.
  2. Oct 23, 2022 at 3:50 PM
    #42
    YotaGangYotaGang

    YotaGangYotaGang PreRunners are wannabe 4x4’s

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    A rtt i never use and 30 light bars
    i have 31x10.5 ko2 on 15” wheels at 35psi feels fine for me idk if thats too low
     
  3. Oct 23, 2022 at 3:59 PM
    #43
    koenbro

    koenbro Well-Known Member

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    As others mentioned already I run 26-29 psi except off-road when I run 15-20. Of course size and type makes some difference but you are running too high a pressure.
     
  4. Oct 23, 2022 at 5:06 PM
    #44
    Diablo169

    Diablo169 ROKRAPR

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    I have my E-Rated KO2’s set to 26, and it still rides like shit, well partially because at 340k the factory springs and shocks are shot and I hit the bump stops all the time.

    I’ve got all new parts waiting, along with C Rated 32” KO2’s and Method 15” wheels.

    Big wheels (small side walls), High Load Rating, and High PSI will make for a shitty ride, even with well tuned shocks.
     
  5. Oct 23, 2022 at 5:06 PM
    #45
    Speedytech7

    Speedytech7 Toyota Cult Ombudsman

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    It's less Tacoma and more mod
    Speak for yourself. Mine rides very comfortably, took a lot of work, but it's possible.
     
  6. Oct 23, 2022 at 5:10 PM
    #46
    gusto11071

    gusto11071 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Rear FJ Cruiser Disc Brakes, Front Tundra Brakes, Heated 4Runner Mirrors, 2018 Tacoma OEM 18" Wheels
    Thanks for all the input TW fam, will do just that. They had 40psi in the rears and 42psi driver 43psi passenger,
    now they are all at 32PSi
     
  7. Oct 23, 2022 at 5:27 PM
    #47
    gusto11071

    gusto11071 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    8B97CD34-527A-49EB-AB38-1EC72864B8AD.jpg
    when I had this Japanese Maple on my truck it drove very good and stable, LoL !
     
  8. Oct 23, 2022 at 8:25 PM
    #48
    DirtRoad Devil

    DirtRoad Devil Member

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    Brent
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    Just wanted to mention,not saying this is the case, but I have seen the uca and lca bolts tightened down so tight ,that they bind the suspension. Also did u put new outer tie rods on? The toe in on my truck makes a world of difference! I can tell a major difference between 1/8"in vs 1/8" out! 1/8" in seems to be where it's best for me. Maybe it'll help!
     
    koenbro and airmax233 like this.
  9. Oct 30, 2022 at 8:49 AM
    #49
    gusto11071

    gusto11071 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    2003 Tacoma Ext Cab DLX 2.7L 4X4
    Rear FJ Cruiser Disc Brakes, Front Tundra Brakes, Heated 4Runner Mirrors, 2018 Tacoma OEM 18" Wheels
    I changed everything NEW except the upper control arms.
    New inner
    New outer
    New ball joints
    New lower control arms
    New hub seals
    New sway bar links
    New Rack & Pinion
    New springs
    New shocks
    I lowered the PSi to 30 (helped a little) I have to check the UCA bolts for the tightened pounds. I did find 2 bolts loose on the transmission. I want to change the Rack & Pinion mounts bushings to poly and then do a wheel alignment and see that would fix the problem. I also ordered NEW bilstein shocks.
     
  10. Dec 18, 2022 at 7:57 AM
    #50
    gusto11071

    gusto11071 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Rear FJ Cruiser Disc Brakes, Front Tundra Brakes, Heated 4Runner Mirrors, 2018 Tacoma OEM 18" Wheels
    71B66F01-FEC7-4D4D-9F7F-8F654879C4A3.jpg I had a computerized wheel alignment done, feels a little better, but not there yet. Anyone knows the part number for the front Bilstein shocks that you use when you have a 3" lift? BTW, also running 30 PSi on all 4 , feels better
     
    Last edited: Dec 18, 2022
  11. Dec 18, 2022 at 9:22 AM
    #51
    gusto11071

    gusto11071 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    What is the part number of the bilstein shocks ?
     
  12. Dec 18, 2022 at 9:27 AM
    #52
    gusto11071

    gusto11071 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Rear FJ Cruiser Disc Brakes, Front Tundra Brakes, Heated 4Runner Mirrors, 2018 Tacoma OEM 18" Wheels
    That is the one I got this past Friday.
     
    airmax233[QUOTED] likes this.
  13. Dec 18, 2022 at 10:25 AM
    #53
    ztwatson

    ztwatson Well-Known Member

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    I thought the tires were supposed to be 26 psi up front and 29 psi in back. At least that's what my 2002 door says.
     
  14. Dec 18, 2022 at 11:06 AM
    #54
    gusto11071

    gusto11071 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Rear FJ Cruiser Disc Brakes, Front Tundra Brakes, Heated 4Runner Mirrors, 2018 Tacoma OEM 18" Wheels
    I have 2018 Tacoma Chrome Clad 18" wheels.
     
  15. Dec 18, 2022 at 1:05 PM
    #55
    mlcc

    mlcc Well-Known Member

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    If your not going to lift your truck, get some bilstein 4600.
     
  16. Dec 18, 2022 at 1:14 PM
    #56
    gusto11071

    gusto11071 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Rear FJ Cruiser Disc Brakes, Front Tundra Brakes, Heated 4Runner Mirrors, 2018 Tacoma OEM 18" Wheels
    I have a 3" lift spacer on the top hat of the front shocks, the rear is adjustable lift 0-3" , they are made of aluminum.
    [​IMG]
     
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    #56
  17. Dec 18, 2022 at 1:20 PM
    #57
    gusto11071

    gusto11071 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Rear FJ Cruiser Disc Brakes, Front Tundra Brakes, Heated 4Runner Mirrors, 2018 Tacoma OEM 18" Wheels
    Sorry wrong kit picture, its this one here :

    [​IMG]
     
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    #57
  18. Dec 18, 2022 at 5:14 PM
    #58
    Andy01DblCabTacoma

    Andy01DblCabTacoma Well-Known Member

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    wait.... you're complaining about the ride of your truck, and you have a 3" spacer lift!? If you want a better ride, ditch the spacer lift. That is 100% the issue.
     
    mike759, jw_96taco and 0xDEADBEEF like this.
  19. Dec 18, 2022 at 5:32 PM
    #59
    gusto11071

    gusto11071 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Rear FJ Cruiser Disc Brakes, Front Tundra Brakes, Heated 4Runner Mirrors, 2018 Tacoma OEM 18" Wheels
    When I am driving on the highway or doing more than 35 miles per hour and I hit a pot hole or a rock or anything that gets in the way of dirt or gravel, the truck feels like its falling apart and almost changes lanes. Like there is something loose in the front end somewhere, I have a feeling it has to do with the wheel play or steering looseness or that famous 1st gen Tacoma steering shaft play between the two shafts, most people weld them together, I think this is problem.
     
    Last edited: Dec 30, 2022
  20. Dec 18, 2022 at 6:18 PM
    #60
    Ozark_RegCab

    Ozark_RegCab Well-Known Member

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    Nick
    Northwest Arkansas
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    Sliders, lift, 275/70/17
    I've never heard of this steering shaft issue. Maybe just take it to a shop that specializes in Toyota 4x4s? I've had a similar issue and I've wondered if higher-quality UCAs would help. I still have the originals after a lift, so ideally I'd have some better-than-OEM replacements.

    After getting an alignment it improved significantly, but it's still not as tight as my old bone stock 98. I think it can be a little tricky to dial these things in after a lift.
     

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