Is it possible to “harden” the steering feel? (1st post, hi)

Post #2 nailed it.

 

#2 with exception of tire type and pressures, missed the issue.

 

I thought it was just me. I don't think anyone expects this truck to handle on rails, but the steering wheel feels like driving an old clunky UHaul truck. OP's comparison to the Tacoma is dead on. I too came from a 2018 Tacoma, now in a 2020 TRD Sport. I don't think OP is talking about handling performance at all, rather just how the steering wheel feels in hand. There seems to be a limp disconnect feeling between hand and steering wheel. Feel the jarring bumps and looseness. If you haven't driven a Tacoma or 4runner yet, please do and tell me it doesn't feel lightyears better.

And to the points about E rated tires and sways, they may make your truck feel slightly better if you don't have them already, but it's not going to get rid of it. My Sport came with the TRD accessory sway bars. I also recently put on 275/65/20 KO2's which are E rated and TBH, it actually makes the described feeling worse. I believe it has to do with the steering rack design. Probably needs a re-amp, which you shouldn't count on since it's going to be an outgoing model, or some aftermarket steering rack bushings. This steering feels really loose and squishy compared to the Tacoma... It feels more like my 4th gen 4runner 4.7L with 260k miles. LOL!

 

Take a look at this thread. Just after I left the above comment, I started researching and it seems that bushings could be solution.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/anyone-replacing-their-steering-rack-bushings-w-35s.61354/

 

These bushings may very well be it. While in a turn the feeling you mention is not that bad. Maybe due to the slack taken up by the force of the turn? From a new truck this should not be. What a PIA to change these and easily $1000 for a shop to do it.

 

Thanks DVCNick, that's good to know. I will probably get lifetime alignment deal from Wheelworks or such and visit them regularly. I expect to be towing a good portion of the time and I suspect steering feedback is going to be worst when towing

 

It would also explain why I had different steering feel on two Tundra's I test drove. I guess it has to do with how much these bushings were worn out. I had installed polyurethane bushings on one of my previous cars, they last forever but tend to squeak. I have no problem with the squeak as long as the steering feels better.