Front end work.

Hello all. I’m a very proud owner of a 1988 4Runner 3.0 4x4.
I’ve had it about 3 years and I have been replacing parts along the way to keep it freash and reliable. It is pretty much all stock and I’ve used Toyota parts everywhere that I have been able to. I have 31x 10.5 x 15 M/T tires and adjustable ranchero shocks on the front and rear. I need to refresh my front end but I’m not sure of the best way to do it. I’ve recently replaced the front axels because they were leaking grease. My tires are wore unevenly and are becoming loud.. The unevenness is now visible. Here are the questions.
What causes that? Is it something I’ve already replaced (axel or shocks) and now I should just get new tires….or is it something else and I need to replace those parts before new tires and alignment??? Also when pulling out of my driveway which is a slight decline and a turn the front end makes some noise. I was told that it’s the control arms. If so do I replace the complete upper and lower arms or just the bushings? (I promise all these questions in one post will make sense in the end!)
Or do I replace busing, ball joints, tie rod ends, pitman arm, etc? As in, while I’m doing it, does it make sense to do it all?
Then I think…the rear leaf springs are tired! I’m guessing the front springs too… a 1 or 2” lift and the next size up tires might be nice..( if it’s not to pricy) Should I do that now as well or would I not be able to use my new shocks?? (If not I’ll keep it stock height) I’m into keeping it as stock as possible but I’ve always leveled my trucks and added over size tires. I’m not going off roading but I live on an island with mountains roads..very steep and hurricanes can mean major off road driving and camping. I’m open to suggestions on what makes the most sense economically but I also want the maximum dependability that fits my needs…. Yes I over think things…

 

How many miles do you have on it? I've looked over the front end of an IFS unit and noticed the where the zerks should go there are only bolts to cap the holes, so if you still have all the bolts in these holes it has most likely never had a lube job. If so I would replace most every thing.

 

I have 180,000

what are zerks?

thanks
Jason

 

One more thing you can also try before buying a bunch of parts is to get some one violently jerk the steering wheel back and forth while you are up front and watching everything and see what has more movement than it should, most bad stuff should be easy to see.

 

I should add to check the ball joints you need a pry bar. Place it between the body of the ball joint and what it attaches to if there is ANY up/down movement they are bad.
This type of pry bar works well to do this.