Wandering steering culprit?

The wheels still sit back in the wells. If I want to address this, it was suggested I install longer shackles, which I have not yet done. & even though the thrust is 11, the shop that straightened it out stated that the measurements (axle to spring eye) are spot on.
It definitely rides better after they straightened it out.

 

& as far as the Toyota part goes, I found the original & it is the same way, so back to bolt confusion

 

I believe there is a notch in the spline so you would have to remove the bolt to get it to move.

 

On a whim, I removed & checked the sway bar links & found the problem. Threw the bushings in for good measure....

There was no indication that these were issues. No clunk, cornered ok.... Moog was what I had installed & have battled with them. I did grind down a box end wrench so it would fit over the holder/stopper part, however when I removed the drivers side one, the boots were toast. & yes. Although they were a PITB to get at, I greased them.

Anyway, I bought a cheapo set off Amazon & much better. I've heard differing opinions on whether brand matters here. I have had decent luck so far with NAPA parts & am wondering if I'd be better off getting theirs. I'm feeling like I have trust issues here with these 27.00 ones I just installed. NAPA would be like 80.00 for a set, however includes lifetime replace, which they honor no questions....

 

& for now I am using a cap screw/bolt/lock washer/nut on the column. Working out much better.

This is my most recent (pre-link replacement) & I had not paid attention to all the #'s on this printout. Basically I was looking for the thrust. The front left camber "after" reading, should that be closer to 0 or at the very least, more in sync with the right? Would this be due to the links? I'm asking because, of course, I'm curious. Like the learning & all. Also, wondering if I should go for another alignment after doing the links even though the truck is driving straight....

 

I wouldn't think the sway bar links would have any effect on the alignment (at least not in your case). Maybe if they were bent or something, but that would probably be an indicator of a larger problem.

Have you looked any further into the steering column tack weld/rolled pin mod? Until ruling "slop" in the steering column out I believe much of your other efforts may be futile

 

Apologies for not having responded to you bringing this up before. I did indeed do this last year? Year before? I was getting excess freeplay from steering wheel to rack.
The issue I was having here was put into words very well by @Bivouac , "the whole truck moves following the wagon tracks in the road". I'd be feeling a little more pulled to right since the paved roads are slightly sloped & then if say, there was a crevice or whatever you want to call it, on the left side, I would be slightly pulled that way. Very sensitive from steering wheel to wheels....
So you're thinking that it feeling better with the links & bushings is temporary?

 

I'm just doubtful of the impact the sway bar has on wandering steering. I understand it may effect things around a corner, but wandering steering is more of an issue with straight line driving

So I just have to think your wandering steering has to be coming from an issue with your steering rack, steering column, or (less likely) maybe control arms.

 

The notch and correct bolt is what really holds things in place.

The tapered bolt allows taking up slack in theory.

 

Does every one understand what wagon tracks are ??

they are the paths worn in the roads from all the constant truck and vehicle traffic .

Black Top is far worse then Concrete it appears worse in areas that have a large thermal cycle .

then some roads are far worse then others .

Many times under the right conditions on wet roads they can be visible.

The heavier the vehicle the more you notice.

 

I get that. So is OP's steering is fine, and she was just sensing a problem caused by the roads? The continued posts in a thread titled "Wandering Steering Culprit", made me think there remained a steering issue or concern. And if that's the case I really can't imagine blown out sway bar links or bushing being the culprit

 

Kristi has changed everything in the front end.

I would need to drive the truck to be a 100% sure.

If it is a mechanical problem it would be a the junction of the steering shaft to the steering rack because of the in correct hardware .

She said that she had no play . The steering shaft did not move without moving the rack.

Is it possible She missed something of course .

Remote trouble shooting can be so much fun!

 

Kristi, have you had the wheel balanced check with roadforce balancer?
I had a slight wobble in the front, them found out I had a bad wheel when DT went to balance
Got that wheel rotated to the rear and the wobble steering went away
Now I need a new wheel that costs some good coin

 

No. Definitely something was off. The steering should not be that subject to the whims of the roads. I mean I noticed it starting to happen & investigated, hence this thread. & noticed it on roads that I have driven regularly for years. So no. It was not the roads. Plus I am noticing improvement now (same roads).

 

No. I haven't had that done in a few years. Thanks!

 

Still no clue on that bolt. I did a search on here & didn't see anyone bring it up as an issue.
Maybe I'll harass my friends at Toyota of Smithsfield since they don't seem to mind putting up with me, just like most/many/some of you on TW....

 

Do you have access to any pick and pull yards? Might be able to snag that bolt off a similar era Toyota product.

 

Ha-ha! Replace my sway bar links & now my clock is working!
Obviously need to adjust the time….

 

I do, however Tacomas are few & far between here. Had a heck of a time hunting one down for a valve cover & the truck was way, way in the back & picked apart….

 

Yea I think that's par for the course in most places, because I have the same troubles finding Tacoma's at those places around me. But I'd bet if you can find a Sequoia, Tundra, 4Runner, Tacoma (obviously), or T100 from that era you might be able to find that bolt on one of their steering racks. I could be wrong, but it's worth a shot. Toyota was pretty good about reusing parts like that across similar models to keep production costs down. I've used door lock components, air vents, hood prop latches and probably several other items from all sorts of junked Yotas on my Tacoma.