What should I have checked in the front end

My '03 off road tacoma quad cab pre-runner has 89k on the clock. Just recently, I notice when on a flat smooth road, it seems it wants to drift randomly, sometimes to the left, sometimes to the right requiring a constant minor adjustment to the steering wheel to go straight.

Just started doing this and I don't think it's a tire problem or alignment. It doesn't pull to one side when you let loose of the wheel nor does it pull to one side while stopping.

I'm not mechanically inclined but thinking maybe ball joints ? Is there an easy test I can to do confirm or deny this ?

 

I would have to agree with the ball joints.

The only way I know to test them is to jack up the front of the truck and use a large prybar to try check for play. It's not necessarily an easy thing to do. I know there's a recall on them on 1st gens, but don't know what years it covers. Someone will chime in soon with some more info on that I'm sure.

Check out this thread. Def get them checked asap.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1s...ck-out-what-happened-when-i-driving-pics.html

 

maybe time for an alignment


EDIT: nevermind just read the post

 

Good posts up above, I also wonder if the shocks are starting to go too.

 

Would new steering rack bushings help?

 

i remember reading on here about taking the steering colum out and putting two welds on it. it dont make sense right now but i will try to find the link. Anyone else read the post? It shows how to take it apart, where to weld it and how to put it all back together.

Found the link.

http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2008715

maybe its this.