99 4Runner/Trailer Problem??

[Lost2301]

I have a 99 4Runner that I was pulling a Uhaul trailer with that latter developed problems with the drive shaft and sway bar. The trailer was not balanced properly and the trailer was swaying back and forth for around 700 miles out on the highway. Would the swaying cause this type of problem in a 4Runner? The drive shaft had to be rebuilt. My local mechanic thought the weight of the trailer might have caused the UV joint/driveshaft to finally fail. I have pulled the same size trailer before with out any problems, it was properly load balanced though. It has around 130k mile on it.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Duane]

u- joints on the drive shaft would be loaded up more while pulling so if a bearing failed the extra load likely broke the camels back so to speak

as for the sway bar problem..not sure what the problem is here? bushings fail?

 

[raydouble]

as for the sway bar problem..not sure what the problem is here? bushings fail?

My guess would be the un-told weight of the trailer coupled with the 700 miles it was swaying back and forth put stress on a lot of components......side bearings in the diff too.

 

[Lost2301]

Thanks for the repsonses, I really appreciate the time you took to do it. I pulled the same size trailer back in 2004 with a big upright grand piano in it just fine. All though it was about half the miles and the trailer tracked with the truck just fine. The piano was sitting in the front of the trailer with all the weight on the front of the trailer. The truck ran fine for the next 6 years after pulling it then. My local guy restores cars and he agrees with you guys! The only things that have out right failed on the truck are the: 02 sensor, clock, plastic tab-gas door and antenae motor.

Thanks again!