I rebuilt the front suspension with mostly OEM parts about 55k miles ago. New bushings, ball joints, etc. Recently (really since my roll) the truck handles horrible. It has this post-bump float, just like an old caddy. As my passengers can attest, it is quite scary.
The bad:
-It pitches (back comes up, front goes down, front comes up, back goes down) and rolls (left to right lean), but it also yaws badly (think turning in an office chair).
-This would continue (or get worse) until you removed your foot from the gas.
-I hear pops and clicks when I make a turn. Usually just one big pop. CVs appear to be fine.
-Upper Right BJ is puking pretty good.
-I know my rear shocks are in need of replacement. I installed new air bags and that helps with the Caddy handling somewhat, but the front feels the same. The rear shocks are too soft for my vehicle and simply do not do their job. The air bags are a band aid but somewhat effective.
-All rear suspension links have original bushings and are probably shot.
-I have never had a good experience with an alignment shop. They usually fail to tighten the bolts sufficiently to prevent the power steering from moving the cams around. Driveway alignments are obviously not working well for me.
-I have no front sway bar. I keep breaking end links.
-Sometimes, especially coming to a stop, the steering wheel needs to point some other direction than 12 o'clock to continue in a straight line. I feel like the alignment is moving under this condition, I've always had it pull to one side under braking but never found out why. Pads wear evenly.
-The truck leans to the right. It has done this for 7 years. Never could figure out why.
The good:
-Lower balljoints look pretty good. Just the usual amount of grease.
-Front shocks are newer and feel good still, not worried about those at all.
-Inner and outer tie rod ends are newish. They feel fine.
-Truck tracks straight on the road with no problems. Isn't hard to steer and doesn't have a problem returning to center.
Here is what I am looking at doing to the front end:
Poly bushings top and bottom. I don't even care about squeaking at this point. That's what the radio is for. ~$50
New upper BJs ~$80
New bushings for the power steering rack (they aren't that old but they don't look great). ~$25
Reinstall the sway bar with new bushings and new HD end links. ~$150-200
Install my steering knuckle braces
Get a good alignment and have them tighten the bolts properly.
So I have a few questions.
I see some people mention they went with Tacoma Lower BJ's. What is the difference?
Should I go with a uniball upper arm? I don't want to spend alot of money, but would it be worth the ~$600 (an extra $470) for the allpro upper arms?
Any good recommendations on front end links? I am about to just build them myself.
Am I missing anything? I am not expecting this thing to drive like an S-Class, but I shouldn't be afraid for my life every time I do drive it. It has become a white knuckle ride for sure. I am at the point where I am seriously regretting saving it after the roll.
Or do I give up and go LT like Troy?
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