Highway driving issues

So I have a 2005 tundra 4.0 2wd automatic and live in a very Windy City. Anytime I drive on the highway and it’s even remotely windy my tundra will struggle badly to go in a straight line. Now I now wind can make you sway a little on the highway, but today if I went over 50 on the highway it would start swaying side to side insanely bad, has anyone experienced something like this by chance or know any reason as to why it would? Any help, parts, replacements or knowledge would help big time

thanks y’all

 

Have you ever updated the suspension? Or gotten an alignment?

 

KNABORES i checked the suspension after the drive everything seems pretty well kept and everything but if I were to check it again any suggestions on what to look for? I haven’t had an alignment in a while i probably need one however the past owner did say when we bought it he always had alignment issues and constantly had to get it done.

 

“constantly” needs alignment speaks to worn bushings in the suspension. These are old trucks that have outlived their factory suspension and bushings. If you’re still on factory shocks, it’s time for new ones. The UCA and LCA bushings are likely worn out as well. The tie rod ends may also be worn and have play in them.

 

I get the bushings that’s probably a good idea to get done soon and I would like to know what brand you suggest, but is it really necessary to get whole new shocks as well?

 

If they are the factory? Hell yeah. Shocks are generally in good shape for 60-80k miles of normal road driving. Age can also take its toll on seals and bushings for the shocks. How old are yours and how many miles on that truck? Pics are always helpful.

 

I have 188k miles and we bought it at 162k. We bought it from California and he said he had them replaced a couple thousand before. Once I can get to it I will send pics of my suspension. Ironically though it’s only when it’s windy funny enough. I usually cruise 90 on the highway no issues when it’s sunny but as soon as the wind hits it just struggles

 

90???? You live in Montana?

 

No haha I live in texas, panhandle to be specific, but yeah is that surprising by chance? I mean most people on these highways (75 mph speed limits) here always go a good 10-15 over in the fast lane surprisingly

 

I drive way faster thru PHX than I do on the 10 to PHX

 

Yeah. That's why I stay off the freeways through Phoenix if I can help it. Goddam lunatics doing everything else but driving.

 

When I worked up there, it didn’t take much longer not taking the highways, and I got paid by the hour so I didn’t care. The stretch between t town and PHX got old after 7 years everyday

 

+1. Worn parts can wreak havoc and a good alignment can make a world of difference in handling (a bad alignment can do the same in a detrimental way).

I’d also ask you about tires - type, size, condition, and especially inflation. Under inflated tires can feel mushy and very vague in steering response causing the driver to overcorrect. Over inflated tires feel darty and twitchy needing constant correction in windy situations.

And why is everybody asking about doing 90mph? The speedo goes up to 120. Derrr…

 

I hate going 90 in my truck. Y'all are crazy.

 

I've never done it, and don't plan on it. 75 is fast enough. At 90 it's got to be turning over 3K RPM with the 4 speed.

 

When was a kid in PHX the freeway didn’t go through

 

Not even hitting peak torque yet

 

my titan wanders pretty bad. 300k all original, and all worn out.

 

Just wanted to chime in, if your suspension/tires aren't worn out, it's likely your alignment. I just installed SPC upper control arms and have a ton more negative caster. My truck is significantly "twitchier" on the highway now. Alignment will have a significant impact on handling feel depending how it's set.

 

After identifying the issues thanks to y’all, I have realized that

A- my alignment needs to be done again

B- my bushings do look a little older and i think they may be part of that issue

C- tires are for sure, I have been holding off them because I’m still very indecisive on the size of tires I want after learning of multiple different sizes (they are pretty bald to be honest)

and I’m suprised of the fact lots of you don’t go even close to 90 in these? Maybe it’s just the speed limit or texas people always hauling a** , but I mean this v6 (1gr fe to be exact) has absolutely no trouble reaching 90, better yet higher speeds which I definitely have not gone….

Any suggestions on these parts listed above?

 

Wow. So you're telling us that,
A: Your truck is out of alignment and won't hold alignment because of worn parts.
B: You agree that your bushings are older and are an issue.
C: Your tires are bald.
D: You're driving an almost 20 year old vehicle.

Yet, you still insist that driving 90MPH is a fine idea. Pretty sure you're destined to become a statistic. Good luck. Hope you don't kill yourself and more than that, someone else.

 

Had to run my truck up to 95 after my front end rebuilt to make sure nothing went wrong or got loose. Trial by fire. But i did it on back roads, err i mean a closed course race track in mexico.

 

1. Siberian bushings.
2. Factory size tires. Michelin Defenders.

 

someone post the superthread.

 

Im saying these are possibilities I’m just acknowledging things that MAY be issues and haven’t had any super big affects unless like I stated multiple times that panhandle 30 mph winds were present and as I also stated I drive accordingly during those weather conditions. I also said in dry sunny good conditions on the highways that I do reach those speeds however usually still always get passed by on even going those high speeds. Thanks for the input but I was asking for part suggestions to get fixed not my driving. Plus I only even said those speeds to show an example of the drastic change wind has on the suspension.

 

Scooterprint I have actually seen those bushings pop up a lot and thanks for being helpful I appreciate that. Now for tires wise I have always used coopers on everything but yet to run michellins, how do you like them?

 

I like mine, the ltx ms2's are pretty good road tires, and havent given me any trouble off road, yet. They seem to last forever, and the only reason i wouldnt replace them with the same is that i'm cheap.

 

The defenders are highway tires. Both of my parents swear by them. They're on their 7th or 8th set now. I run Offroad oriented tires, so no comment.

 

Oh ok sweet I’ll look into them! I bought the truck with coopers (evolution HT, 265/70r16s) and ever since we have just gotten those tires specifically but in the future i want to try and fit 33s or find some to go with the leveling kit I bought so does Michelin make any good 33s you’d suggest?

 

Is the leveling kit installed already?