Rack and pinion replacement

going through the motions to learn and get ready to replace my rack and pinion in my 98 4x4 Tacoma limited 3.4l and was sourcing out parts and was wondering if anyone has any recommendations on a good steering rack and pinion? I think I’m going to go w the low range off road rack and pinion kit but was wondering what others think

 

I need to replace my rack soon as well. I’ve always heard OEM racks are the best. They have other good racks out there but typically with these trucks OEM always wins.

 

Check out CVJ axles in Denver. It’s a re-manufacturered OEM. They do some upgrades to them as well.

I’m getting my steering rack from th when it eventually goes bad

http://www.cvjreman.com/

 

17MM flare nut wrench is handy for the lines

 

Interesting. How do the prices if these compare to OEM?

 

On my second gen I replaced it with a reman from rockauto. Only cost around $250 after I got my core refund. It’s identical to oem in every way, and has been treating me well.

 

I've replaced 4 over the years and this time I bought a new unit from Rockauto.com. I chose the AAE brand, which is now $252.79. This is not a Reman unit, it's all new.

 

I think OEM is around $500 or a bit more.

Below is the email I got from CVJ when I asked about 2003 Tacoma 4x4 steering rack - $657 upfront...$407 after the core charge.

We have our CVJ Remanufactured Rack in stock. CVJ part number R9310.
This rack has the stiffer poly-urethane mounts installed. Your cost is $380.00 plus a core deposit of $225.00. Plus freight (UPS ground) which is about $52.00 or less in the US - it varies by zip code.

The core deposit is refunded once we receive your old rack. It must be the same original Tundra and be rebuildable and have all the parts.
You pay the shipping back on the core.These racks are OEM Toyota racks that are completely remanufactured using only top quality aftermarket parts and neoprene boots.
The rack includes the inner tie rods but not outer tie rods ends.

Option 1 Upgraded pre-load. $100.00 (useful with lifted trucks for issues getting alignments)

The rack has a limited three year warranty. When used for offroad or in lifted trucks or performance use we cannot warrant the racks.

When I asked about what the upgraded pre-load was about -

The original Toyota racks had a roller design for the pre-load. This allows too much movement and causes difficulties aligning some lifted Toyota trucks.
The upgrade changes the pre-load to a solid one.

I do offroad my truck and it is lifted a little so the warranty bit sucks. On the other hand I'm familiar with the roller vs solid pre-load. The solid is preferable.

I'm a mostly only buy OEM guy, but aftermarket or remanned by others isn't a bad idea considering the cost differance. I have heard of those failing pretty quickly but not sure how they were used etc.

 

http://rackdoctor.net/

I did this on my mechanics recommendation three years ago. Zero problems, since then!

 

Their core charge is a lifetime warranty...I like that.

This sounds better than CVJ...especially warranty and pricewise.

I wonder about the roller pre-load though.

 

All remans including CVJ and Rack Doctor are hit and miss, built with the same aftermarket parts.

Joe will say "my Rackenstuff works great" while Bill says mine leaked out of the box.

The solid guide is not an upgrade unless the core rack has the roller. Somewhere around 01 Toyota changed. Any rebuild should have the solid guide. It's just stupid to use the roller. Unfortunately many folks don't.

 

Good to know, thanks.

So probably just spend a little extra money and buy OEM. My rack is at 223k miles and still holding together. Why not get another?

 

Yep, cost really is the decision driver with these fellows.
If I had to get a reman I would give serious consideration to convenience/warranty. Buy local, return local. Check the fine print too, as in "void if used off-road".
CVJ does have a pretty good rep (at present) but they are pricey plus the shipping.

While I'm at it the "all new" aftermarket racks are China made Knock offs with huge quality control issues.

From a brand new, "new aftermarket" rack. Owner claimed no abuse.


From a Rack Doctor, was abused. Also the rack housing had rust damage filled with Bondo and painted. The rusted area blew out. IIRC they did warranty it, with all the back and forth and shipping.

 

Everyone now is steering away from the rollers and just getting putting in the solid peace with the tephlon or non ware able metal pad! And I would recommend the same

 

I upgraded my old roller bushing to the solid along with the new spring and cap and all has been well. I've changed ITREs and OTREs, fluids, and boots, and mount bushings. Still on my 225K OEM rack and it steers great and hold alignments. Just gotta take care of em, and I beat my pretty hard. Think it is a maintenance game, and you should start with something good to begin with.

 

Here's two related videos for this subject:

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

https://www.youtube.com/embed/r4Hhl225E8A

 

You could Re-Build it.

Also, what you guys are referring to as china knock offs are the Inner Tie Rods which you can get OEM for fairly cheap.

You have:
1) Steering Rack
2) Inner Tie Rods
3) Outer Tie Rods

Simple.

Choice of inner and outer tie rods are your choice, however, there are rebuild kits available for our steering racks.

Here is the write up for rebuild:

 

I agree with buy local with lifetime warranty. I bought a Rack at Leprechaun Auto for my 4runner in 2012. Lasted until 2017. Took old one in and swapped out for a new one....with no shipping. Every time I check Rock Auto for a price on the part, by the time I get to checkout and see the shipping price I hit the Big X in the corner of the screen. Lifetime warranted part from Rock Auto cost, shipping to get the part, shipping to return the core, shipping for part if returned for warranty reasons, shipping back to you.....and on and on. Just like batteries, a manufacturer is making these with similar parts and re-badging them for individual companies.

 

We could all take the advice of this women.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJc5NxtoGAQ

 

In the last 5 or so years complete new aftermarket China made racks have hit the market. In many cases they cost less than an OE rebuild and in many cases they have more problems.
That write up looks familiar.