Toyota Repair: speedometer cable noise? and unsolid drive feeling, toyota 4runner, speedometer cable

Question
Toyota 4Runner 2wheel drive V6 1995, approx. 114,000 miles. 3Ve? engine...

1. Seems to be a noise coming from the steering column

Sort of quiet grinding sound that accellerates as I drive or slows as I stop...swaying sound...also the needle on the display is a bit shakey. Could the sound relate to the speedo cable? Would it be fixed by lube at the transmission?

2.Help with the loose feeling ride/bumps on road really effect steering/even wind effects side to side motion more than before/feels unsteady/could something not be tightened correctly or adjusted correctly to spec? What should I check for the loss of stability from right to left?

The ride of my 4Runner hasn't been smooth after having the front two shocks replaced(one wore out). Also had the steering relay rod replaced due to the recall. The alignment was supposed to be done at that time and when finished, it wandered to the right. Also the steering wheel was not centered. Took it back to the shop to be realigned, and was told the tie-rods were adjusted. The steering then was VERY sloppy and loose. I think they just adjusted the tie-rods to make the wheel straight. The drive feels loose and messy with wind very effective on steering and vibration in the wheel when going at increased speed. I took it to another tire center and had the alignment checked. They said it was off and adjusted (improved only slightly but said tires needed to be replaced because of uneven wear.Also said rear shocks and rear brakes needed to be fixed. Dealership said both were fine. Still rough ride. I don't know who to trust. I used to trust both places. Took it to another tire center who said tires still good and even wear. Please help. Also the vibration doesn't seem to increase when braking at all.

Thank you so much for your ideas...

Answer
the noise is the head and/or cable.
You can take the instrument cluster out and lube the cable where it goes into  the head.

The alignment must be off. You already changed everything else.
There is a possibility you have a bad tire. Does it change or go away if you rotate the tires?

If the alignment was off, and you have a print out, I would go back to the dealer and ask them to align it again.
Ask them for a print out. Compare the two. You dont have to know anything about an alignment, just see if the numbers are the same and compare to the pec on the print out. See who is closer and then you may get an idea of whats going on.
Hope I didnt confuse you.

Mike

Mike