Tie rods or Rack and Pinion

Bought a 1998 Ext Cab, 2.7, 2wd. Needed some work but the price was in my budget. Noticed the driver and passenger inner egde of tires were a little worn. Tires are real old. Lifted front end and found some play from side to side, more on the drive side. Tie rods have some play. Felt some movement at rack and pinion. The bushings seem to be worn.How much movement should there be in the shafts? No leaks at the rack. First Tacoma and really like it. Bought a 2001 4 Runner with 26K on it in2004 and now have 160k. So I'm not new to Toyota. Just hoping I'm not looking at a new RP. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Peace.

 

Well if the tire rods have any play...they need replaced. Replace them first, then see how much play you have in the rack. Some play is normal, but its hard to tell without seeing it in person.

 

replace them with moog. also they are really easy to replace as well.

 

*tie rods***

 

Tie rods are fairly easy to replace and more then likely will fix your tire wear issue. However I just replaced my rack bushings 2 weekends ago and damn what a difference. I have a 98 as well. I was told by my local tire shop that they couldn't allign it properly with how much play was in my rack n pinion (apparently a very common issue with older tacomas). With new bushings in place there is zero play and damn it feels so much tighter up front.

 

i'm about to replace my inner/outer tie rods as well, and found this very informative video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVQHgcXEhpE

i've replaced my steering rack bushings with poly bushings already and it made a big difference. i'm hopeful that new tie rods will tighten up the steering the rest of the way.

 

If your rack is leaking any, just replace the entire rack. Should come with inner rods and if course new bushings. Can get a new rack for about $250 on rockauto

 

Thanks for all the replies. My issue was the inner tie rod. Will replace the inner, outer tie rods and the bushings this weekend.

 

good luck, and report back with your results!

 

Wow that video from Low Range Offroad about replacing the Inner and Outer tie rod was very good.

 

replace inner and outers with moog or something comperable. avoid vatozone and oreily. both really use the same brand, dorman.

also, replace the steering rack bushings, like 20 bucks from energy suspension, autozone can order, i got mine cheaper from wheelers.

really you should have no real play in the rack as far as the rack moving side to side. measure distance from rack to center of bolt on tie rod end to get a simlar alignment after reinstall, then get it properly aligned.