3rd Gen to 2nd Gen Steering Rack Replacement?

It looks like it's almost time to replace the steering rack on my 07 4.0L Prerunner. The OEM part number (44250-04030) for my truck has been recently listed as no longer in production.

Does anyone know if the later 2nd gen steering rack (44250-04040) or the 3rd Gen rack (44250-04041) will fit? RockAuto lists all the 3rd Gen racks as fitting 2005+ so I imagine that the OEM part will fit my truck.

I was thinking of going the modified Tundra rack route but that's probably WAAAY overkill for me

 

It's been seeping for a while now. I'm about to do the front half of the 4x4 conversion (plus brakes/control arms/shocks) so it'll be a good time to replace the rack while a lot of things are out of the way. That and I can get a decent deal on a 3rd Gen rack that's local to me.

 

Definitely try to stay OEM

 

I dont believe there are any changes to the rack itself. There might be a change in lines as at some point in the 3rd gen lineage they put a power steering fluid cooler and got rid of the trans cooler (auto)

 

Original part number (44250-04030) still seems to be available, as is the reman version (44250-04030-84), though stock levels may not be in your favour.

Ditto for the 2012-2015 rack (44250-04040 and reman 44250-04040-84), and the 2016-2022 rack (44250-04041 and remain 44250-04041-84).

They all should fit without issue.

Jeff

 

Has anyone actually installed a 44250-04040 steering rack in a 2005 -2011 gen 2 Tacoma? I have read that it "should fit". The 44250-04030 racks are on back order, so would like to know before I pull the trigger on a new rack. Thanks

 

So, if I read this thread correctly, the 2nd gen rack and pinion is interchangeable with the 3rd gen? My 2016 Tacoma OR is leaking and groaning, so looks like it's my turn to replace it.

Any recommendations for a modified suspension? My truck has Dirt Kings UCA and Kings suspension with 33" Falkens that I'm certain worked the rack to death.

 

outer seal(s) leaking
Some Lucas StopLeak for now

anyone have success with a rack from RockAuto?

Am thinking why not do that keep it cheaper than genuine stock weak rack and leave it for later to do an actual upgrade like tundra rack

given regular has lasted this far

I’m seeing brands like Cardone but no traditional rack companies like Koyo etc

 

since the rack is a pain to replace its best to go with oem to guarantee that its high quality. I personally stick to the do it right once or do it two more times wrong

 

I just had my rack replaced with a new OEM unit over the weekend. @Superdave1.0 has done a decent amount of work with steering racks and highly recommended I stick with OEM only. I think it was around $750 for a NEW OEM unit and about $550 for a reman OEM unit.