1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Is there a way to stiffen up tundra steering?Compared to my 18 ram feels a lot looser the ram feels

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by Handbanana, Aug 15, 2020.

  1. Aug 15, 2020 at 11:15 AM
    #1
    Handbanana

    Handbanana [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    May 8, 2020
    Member:
    #46175
    Messages:
    177
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 TSS CM 4x4
    Trd sway front Trd sway rear Trd shift knob Nitto ridge grapplers OEM LED FOGS
    Is there a way to stiffen up the newer tundra steering? Maybe replacing the sway bar bushing‘s. I feel that it’s really loose. It has front and rear Trd sway bars and gets an alignment every month even if not needed. Compared to my 18 ram, it feels a lot looser. the ram feels tighter and more connected to the ground if that makes sense any suggestions would help thanks
     
  2. Aug 15, 2020 at 11:17 AM
    #2
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2766
    Messages:
    35,621
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    LML 3500HD
    Calibrated Power 5 Tune pack, Allison 1000 tune, PPE deep trans pan, Cold/Hot CAC pipes, Banks CAI, PCV reroute, resonator delete, S&B 62 gal fuel tank, B&W GN hitch
    What tire rating do you have (p metric?) and what pressure do you have?
     
  3. Aug 15, 2020 at 11:35 AM
    #3
    Handbanana

    Handbanana [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    May 8, 2020
    Member:
    #46175
    Messages:
    177
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 TSS CM 4x4
    Trd sway front Trd sway rear Trd shift knob Nitto ridge grapplers OEM LED FOGS
    Nitto ridge grapplers 285/55/20 10 ply. It’s always felt kind of loose though Even before I put these tires on
     
  4. Aug 15, 2020 at 12:13 PM
    #4
    frichco228

    frichco228 Valued Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2020
    Member:
    #40952
    Messages:
    4,470
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Frank
    Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2016 Crewmax 4WD, TRD Offroad
    Eibach Pro Truck Stage 2 suspension, HD RAS, 285/75-18 Nokian Outpost AT, LoPro bed cover, TRD rear sway bar, DD 10 inch exhaust, and various other goodies
    TRD rear sway bar with tighten up handling
     
  5. Aug 15, 2020 at 12:59 PM
    #5
    Ruggybuggy

    Ruggybuggy Seasoned Veteran

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2019
    Member:
    #36508
    Messages:
    3,142
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    NW ON, CANADA
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra OR
    Are you thinking the steering wheel is just to easy to turn? Are you running a lift?
     
  6. Aug 15, 2020 at 1:15 PM
    #6
    Danman34

    Danman34 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2018
    Member:
    #19579
    Messages:
    2,231
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Danny
    Vehicle:
    2018 White Tundra TRD Sport
    Have you done anything to the suspension? Too little caster will lead to the loose/squirrely feel in the steering
     
    jetfishn and Black Wolf like this.
  7. Aug 15, 2020 at 1:33 PM
    #7
    Ruggybuggy

    Ruggybuggy Seasoned Veteran

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2019
    Member:
    #36508
    Messages:
    3,142
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    NW ON, CANADA
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra OR
    That where I was going with that.
     
  8. Aug 15, 2020 at 1:39 PM
    #8
    timsp8

    timsp8 Former Tundra owner for 13 years

    Joined:
    May 11, 2018
    Member:
    #15231
    Messages:
    3,524
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tim
    NY
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra Limited Crewmax - Traded In
    I think it’s the way it’s designed. Even with a lift and bigger tires, mine is easy to turn. A lot easier than the wife’s car.
     
    Hbjeff likes this.
  9. Aug 15, 2020 at 1:47 PM
    #9
    frichco228

    frichco228 Valued Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2020
    Member:
    #40952
    Messages:
    4,470
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Frank
    Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2016 Crewmax 4WD, TRD Offroad
    Eibach Pro Truck Stage 2 suspension, HD RAS, 285/75-18 Nokian Outpost AT, LoPro bed cover, TRD rear sway bar, DD 10 inch exhaust, and various other goodies
    OP needs to reply with more details, that statement could mean pretty much anything from steering input, suspension feel, body roll, etc.
     
  10. Aug 15, 2020 at 1:49 PM
    #10
    Ruggybuggy

    Ruggybuggy Seasoned Veteran

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2019
    Member:
    #36508
    Messages:
    3,142
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    NW ON, CANADA
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra OR
    With the lift you go more negative on the caster so the steering will feel lighter. With stock upper control arms it's either a good caster number or a good camber number, you can't have both. A good camber number is preferred because a poor caster number doesn't wear tires.

    Forgot to add, yes larger diameter affects steering because it changes the scrub radius.
     
  11. Aug 15, 2020 at 2:06 PM
    #11
    timsp8

    timsp8 Former Tundra owner for 13 years

    Joined:
    May 11, 2018
    Member:
    #15231
    Messages:
    3,524
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tim
    NY
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra Limited Crewmax - Traded In
    It felt the same stock too. It’s definitely easier to turn than my 2010 tundra was also. I think the op just isn’t used to the feel and might think something was wrong, but it’s normal.
     
  12. Aug 15, 2020 at 2:44 PM
    #12
    Hbjeff

    Hbjeff New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2019
    Member:
    #24845
    Messages:
    4,897
    Gender:
    Male
    Huntington Beach
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC 5.7 2wd
    Trd sways, bullydog, magnaflow, sumo springs
    The tundra just has a really soft steering feel. Dodge does feel better, we rented a durango for a week and i was shocked how much like a race car the steering felt. I liked it
     
    kparrow and Handbanana[OP] like this.
  13. Aug 15, 2020 at 2:50 PM
    #13
    Handbanana

    Handbanana [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    May 8, 2020
    Member:
    #46175
    Messages:
    177
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 TSS CM 4x4
    Trd sway front Trd sway rear Trd shift knob Nitto ridge grapplers OEM LED FOGS
    No it won’t. Ive already install a TRD rear and front and yes it feels more planted in corners but steering is still loose feeling. Maybe replacing the front sway bar bushing with moog or other brand might work. Btw the TRD tundra sway was a waste of money and time. No difference notice enough to justify buying it.
     
    Rex Kramer likes this.
  14. Aug 15, 2020 at 2:52 PM
    #14
    Handbanana

    Handbanana [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    May 8, 2020
    Member:
    #46175
    Messages:
    177
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 TSS CM 4x4
    Trd sway front Trd sway rear Trd shift knob Nitto ridge grapplers OEM LED FOGS
    Negative it’s all stock besides the sway bars and tires. That’s why I believe maybe the sway bar bushing if replaced with a 3rd party brand might help. At least it did when I change them out in my 08 ram
     
  15. Aug 15, 2020 at 2:55 PM
    #15
    Squatting Pigeon

    Squatting Pigeon Squattingpigeon.com Staff Member

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2018
    Member:
    #14443
    Messages:
    56,121
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Holden
    North Texas
    Vehicle:
    GR Corolla
  16. Aug 15, 2020 at 3:02 PM
    #16
    Handbanana

    Handbanana [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    May 8, 2020
    Member:
    #46175
    Messages:
    177
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 TSS CM 4x4
    Trd sway front Trd sway rear Trd shift knob Nitto ridge grapplers OEM LED FOGS
    This review states what I’m talking about on the bushings. I swap out the ones on a ram long time ago and it was night and day.

    DCE5111D-7607-481A-8B17-7C064FC626E3.jpg
     
  17. Aug 15, 2020 at 4:51 PM
    #17
    Ruggybuggy

    Ruggybuggy Seasoned Veteran

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2019
    Member:
    #36508
    Messages:
    3,142
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    NW ON, CANADA
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra OR
    Next time you get your alignment done ask the tech to give it more caster. It will definitely tighten up the feel.
     
    EDDO and kparrow like this.
  18. Aug 15, 2020 at 4:54 PM
    #18
    Ruggybuggy

    Ruggybuggy Seasoned Veteran

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2019
    Member:
    #36508
    Messages:
    3,142
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    NW ON, CANADA
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra OR
    New sway bar bushing will make it feel more planted in the corners but will have little if any effect on lightness of the steering.
     
  19. Aug 15, 2020 at 5:16 PM
    #19
    careyrob

    careyrob In the field

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2016
    Member:
    #4680
    Messages:
    618
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Carey
    Massachusetts
    Vehicle:
    2008 Crewmax TRD 4x4 Silver
    LRO 3/1 leveling lift 35x12.50's on 20x9's Hellwig rear sway bar B&M 70264 SuperCooler Transmission Cooler Firestone airbags Daystar cradles Air Lift WirelessONE Compressor System
    Alignments every month!? If you're just having a hard time figuring out what to do with extra cash I can help you with that problem and save you some time as well.

    Seriously though, if you need monthly alignments on anything you either need some serious repairs or you need to slow down on the potholes and speed bumps.

    My truck has had exactly two frontend alignments in 12 years. One of those was after installing a spacer lift.

    Unless you really, really trust the person doing your alignments you're more likely to create more issues than you prevent when you make adjustments that often. No one can accidentally break anything if they're not under there messing with it.

    If you want more responsive steering your toe may be too neutral. A little more toe-in helps in that case, but make sure the alignment specs remains within the range specified by Toyota or you'll have irregular wear issues.
     
    Sundown5oh likes this.
  20. Aug 15, 2020 at 5:33 PM
    #20
    Flyinryank

    Flyinryank New Member

    Joined:
    May 9, 2017
    Member:
    #7635
    Messages:
    1,288
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Las Vegas, NV
    Vehicle:
    White 2015 CM 4x4
    AFE Dry S Drop-In Filter TRD Air Accelerator TRD Radiator Cap TRD Fuel Cap TRD Pro Grill/Hood Body Mount Chop Bilstein 6112s CB Shim on Driver Side Bilstein 5160s ICON Rear Spring Pack Factory Painted Door Handles BFG KO2s 305/65R18 Method NV 18x9 +25 NFAB RKR Rails SDHQ ABS Guards SDHQ Ditch Light Brackets Baja Designs Squadron Pros
    I just got some poly steering bushings from Coachbuilder.
     
  21. Aug 15, 2020 at 5:59 PM
    #21
    Handbanana

    Handbanana [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    May 8, 2020
    Member:
    #46175
    Messages:
    177
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 TSS CM 4x4
    Trd sway front Trd sway rear Trd shift knob Nitto ridge grapplers OEM LED FOGS
    Firestone unlimited lifetime alignments $180 the alignment is not the problem. It’s the steering wheel feeling loose
     
  22. Aug 15, 2020 at 7:30 PM
    #22
    Ruggybuggy

    Ruggybuggy Seasoned Veteran

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2019
    Member:
    #36508
    Messages:
    3,142
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    NW ON, CANADA
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra OR
    What are your caster numbers.
     
  23. Aug 15, 2020 at 7:55 PM
    #23
    Camprunner

    Camprunner New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2020
    Member:
    #42341
    Messages:
    69
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 trd sport
    None
    Subscribed
     
  24. Aug 15, 2020 at 8:15 PM
    #24
    kparrow

    kparrow New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2018
    Member:
    #16363
    Messages:
    955
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kevin
    Nampa, ID
    Vehicle:
    2008 Tundra DC 4x4 5.7l V8 Blue Streak Metallic
    Goodyear UltraTerrain AT 275/70/r18, Stoptech Cryo Slotted Rotors/Hawk LTS Pads, DECKED, and lots more!
    Ditto....we have the best of both worlds in our fam here....I’ve got the Tundra and my wife has a Durango R/T. Love how it handles and steering feel is fantastic. My truck is squirrely feeling in the steering on the highway and towing. I feel like I constantly have to have some input to the steering which wears me out on long drives. Drove all the way to Boise and back with the Durango and was smooth cruising. Anybody have any ideas how to take that out? Doesn’t seem like the tie rod ends are worn, doesn’t seem to have play in them but they do have 130k on them....idk. I have no lift, just 33” tires. Truck tracks straight but the constant wander in steering is annoying. Need to get an alignment and see what the numbers look like.
     
    Last edited: Aug 15, 2020
    Handbanana[OP] likes this.
  25. Aug 15, 2020 at 9:33 PM
    #25
    Mostel

    Mostel New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2020
    Member:
    #42598
    Messages:
    18
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 tundra plat
    Just chiming in here... I LOVE the steering on my Tundra. Coming from BMW... which is very driver oriented and Lexus which is quite soft... the Tundra is very confidence inspiring. Of course it is a huge beast and could be tighter but then you may lose the amazing comfort of the long mileage drives?
     
    ionnaeus likes this.
  26. Aug 16, 2020 at 6:46 AM
    #26
    Hbjeff

    Hbjeff New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2019
    Member:
    #24845
    Messages:
    4,897
    Gender:
    Male
    Huntington Beach
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC 5.7 2wd
    Trd sways, bullydog, magnaflow, sumo springs

    Yeah towing is the worst with low caster. Aftermarket UCAs can add extra caster. Im getting an alignment soon and I’ll ask the guy to put max it
     
  27. Aug 16, 2020 at 7:01 AM
    #27
    Camprunner

    Camprunner New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2020
    Member:
    #42341
    Messages:
    69
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 trd sport
    None
    I am at 2.8 on caster. Stock truck. It wonders on the highway. Long trips are tiring dealing with this. On center is my issue. Do not dare take your mind off of it for more that a slit second, especially on uneven or bumpy road. Once turning or in curves, all is well.
    Maybe another 1/2 degree of caster?
     
    Handbanana[OP] and kparrow like this.
  28. Aug 16, 2020 at 8:11 AM
    #28
    kparrow

    kparrow New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2018
    Member:
    #16363
    Messages:
    955
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kevin
    Nampa, ID
    Vehicle:
    2008 Tundra DC 4x4 5.7l V8 Blue Streak Metallic
    Goodyear UltraTerrain AT 275/70/r18, Stoptech Cryo Slotted Rotors/Hawk LTS Pads, DECKED, and lots more!
    Mine is the same way! Any alignment gurus please help!
     
  29. Aug 16, 2020 at 8:18 AM
    #29
    Ruggybuggy

    Ruggybuggy Seasoned Veteran

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2019
    Member:
    #36508
    Messages:
    3,142
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    NW ON, CANADA
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra OR

    Here are my numbers if you would like to duplicate. Rock solid.

    15975908131003013962958117582861.jpg
     
  30. Aug 16, 2020 at 8:56 AM
    #30
    Camprunner

    Camprunner New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2020
    Member:
    #42341
    Messages:
    69
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 trd sport
    None
    Is your truck stock?
    Maybe I should try for another half a degree caster as yours is mid 3
     
    jpandya likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top