When I downshift out of overdrive into 3rd (any speed over 40) or from 3rd to 2nd (between 30-40) the back of the car feels like it wants to twist to the right. Then it will like shake once to left and right real quick. Nothing that will cause me to be out of control but very noticable. Doesn't do it when I brake, just downshift. I've always downshifted with this car since I bought it. Most of my old cars were standard so it's pretty much just a habit. I know it's b/c of a suspension part but not sure what. Everything looks good, but as we all know, looks are deceiving on all the LS400 bushings. I do have a bad spring/shock which I need to return for a refund but I had the same symptom even when I had the airshocks on it. If it shifts on its own (up or down) it feels, and rides, fine. I will be changing the shock next month so I need to know which part this could be so I can change at the same time. Any ideas?
TIA.

 

have you changed the tranny mount utilizing the real Toyota part (cheap & easy)?

 

Been thinking about it for a while b/c I have a very, very tiny vibration on the shifter. (Barely noticable) And once in a while I get like an engine jump when I'm starting it. It's on the list. It still looks good but probably not after looking at some of other members pics of theirs when they came off.
Anything else it could be? I just want to have everything in one shot. (Seeing how I'll have the money soon.)

 

new bushings/ball joints throughout the suspension - do you want a complete list?

PS - the real Toyota tranny mount is like only $40 or so online and can be installed in 10 minutes, I would do that like tomorrow!

PS - try to buy strictly Toyota parts on all suspension parts (huge difference in quality), although, sadly, not every bushing is still available, but at least try!

 

Nah, I dont need a list, I know what parts are on there. I dont want to change everything though, the car isn't worth that much anymore. It's old and starting to become a beater. Just want to do what it desperately needs. Plus, right now, I drive less then 50 miles a week. The tranny mount will be done, along with the front UCAs, but needs to wait til next month when I get back to work. Then I'll average over 1000 miles a week. Could this twisting feeling in the rear be caused from the front upper ball joints? I know they are bad even though the front feels tight.

 

have you done strut rod bushings and did you use the real Toyota bushings and install them properly clocked (360 orientation) and torqued down with car on its own weight on the ground?

 

No, I haven't done anything suspension wise except changed the air shocks to springs. I'll have it on a lift in a couple weeks and I'll be able to check everything better then just on a jack.
Btw, it's my 93 and it has 151k miles. Air shocks went out at exactly 150, go figure.

 

check the rear trailing arm bushings