Another steering rack thread...considering OEM but have some questions

I rebuilt my entire front end in September with all Toyota parts except a reman steering rack from Napa. This is my second rack from them and their *lifetime* warranty and my 4th steering rack over all (the second one was done under warranty by Toyota back in the day).

Well, after about 800 miles and a few short weeks of use, the newly installed Napa rack is leaking out the driver ITR like a sieve. For a million reasons, I'm upset.

The first Napa rack was new (not reman) and lasted about 30K of mostly highway use (I am lifted and running 285's though). The one I just bolted on looked suspect from the minute they pulled it out of the box (old style guide, shitty grey paint on everything, zip ties instead of clamps on the boots, bright orange "reman" stickers on everything, etc). I've learned the hard way to always go with Toyota parts, but because I've been through a few racks now, the lifetime warranty lured me in. But if I'm changing steering racks on a monthly basis and paying $80 to have the truck aligned, the premium on Toyota racks start making sense again. With the Toyota rack, I'd be more willing to rebuild it in the future, too. For the record, I've owned the truck since new and intend to keep it forever.

My question to those that have gone with the Toyota rack:

What parts come with it (Toyota Part No.: 44250-35041)? Will I have to buy ITR ends, boots, clamps, etc or does it come ready to bolt on like the reman ones? toyotapartsdeal has ones for about $550 plus shipping. Anyone know of a better online price?

Thanks for the help.

 

The OEM steering rack comes with the inner tie rods and boots already attached. You just have to swap over your outer tie rods. Try checking with Camelback Toyota out of Arizona. Their prices are pretty competitive and they ship for free if the order is $150 and above. They just charge a $3 handling fee.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/wZoRP5ogrK0

 

Thanks Tim! Will do.

I used your wheel bearing tutorial to great success BTW. Excellent information. I appreciate it.

 

Check with @gunny1005

 

I went with this guys. No problems, in two years! http://www.shop.rackdoctor.net/

 

Used a new Cardone unit...two years and no issues.

Cardone Steering Rack from PartsGeek

 

Just swapped mine out with an A1 Cardone brand new rack and put the poly bushings as well the other weekend. Time will tell. Haven't felt this good of steering in my truck in years.

 

Sorry to thread jack, are you swapping from the earlier style 95.5-01 rack to the later 01-04 rack? What is required to do this, my truck is in dire need of a new rack

 

Nothing is technically required to do the swap as the update is internal (the guide). You can tell if you have the new guide if the adjuster has a big allen head like this



Instead of the old style with hex head like this



Great thread on rebuilding one is here:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rack-pinion-service-tools-tips.312600/

 

Ok sweet, thanks

 

Cardone racks have a very high defect rate. Check out a company called BBB Industries. You may have to order online but they are some decent quality racks. I'd go that route of the price was better than OE.

 

I think this is the most recent thread on this ??

2004 V6 4x4 200k miles. Very reputable shop has advised that I need the rack assembly replaced. Whether it can be rebuilt, etc... is immaterial as I'm not near the truck currently and my son is driving it. So just needs to be done. They've recommended replacement with a Cardone rack rather than OEM due to cost. I'm 100% OK with saving money as long as it doesn't end up costing more in the long run.

To those who have used these units, have they performed and lasted? I'm not usually too keen on straying from OEM but is there another one that might be a suitable replacement?

 

I replaced my rack with a Cardone. No issues so far. Also swapped out the bushings on the new one before installing.