Hello All,

I tried searching for a write up on a pack and pinion install but I couldnt find anything... Anyone have a link?

@aha2988 did it IIRC

Haven't seen a write up per say but it's the same consept as any other diff build

http://m.youtube.com/results?q=diffe...88.efyE7_tcEwM

Try a few of those videos out an see if it helps if you can build one diff you can build any diff. It takes a good understanding of what has to be done

Op, I think you had a typo in the thread. Heading says rack, post says pack. You're replacing your power steering rack, correct? Might clear up the confusion of pinion gear over p/s rack.

Bahahaha yeah I definitely miss read the post, sorry yes once again I haven't seen a write up but I did actually find a really good video on a 4th grab rack an pinion replacement on you tube as well just give it a search.

Start with removing the inner an outer tie rods (you have to remove the clamps and the boots to do this a pipe wrench makes quick work of unscrewing the in er tie rod knuckle.) as well I was able to do the whole job with the tires on. After you disconnect the inner an outer tie rods disconnect the steering shaft spline connection you'll really want an air hammer to do this. Otherwise lots of PB blaster and a big hammer. Then drain oil and remove oil filter. Unbolt the front differential support arms letting the front differential assembly hang (disregard if 2wd) after all this you should be able to puzzle the rack out of the truck. Disassemble the new racks inner tie rods and boots then reinstall everything in the reverse order. It sucks that you have to take a lot apart but there isn't a way to get it out other wise. I used heavy zip ties to re clamp the inner boot clamps there's no way you'll get the factory clamps back on you could probably source worm gear clamps than would work as well hope this helps, also I typed this on my phone so if I misspelled something oh well lol

Oops sorry about the typo, I have to thank my i pad key board. It's the rack and pinion for sure.

Toyota 4 Runner Power Steering Rack Replacement (Full Version) - EricTheCarGuy - YouTube


This guy is very good. He has quite a few 4runner videos. Working on his own runner I believe.

yep this is the video I went by, He makes all the mistakes for you so you can go through and do the steps right haha.

I'm not thrilled about having to pull the tie rods off a new rack, but if thats the only way to get that thing out of there, so be it.

it's not that hard to take them off the biggest pain is getting the clamps off without damaging the boots but if you cut one you should have at least two extra to use lol

also when tightening the ps fluid lines back to the rack, try not to hulk out on them you can crack the housing. Good thing is you have a back up housing on the old unit, bad thing is you need the special socket to take the rack apart.

I'm reviving this old thread in the hopes of figuring out how to separate the steering shaft from the rack's shaft.

I have a pneumatic hammer but what am I hammering on - on the shaft coming out of the rack? I tried hammering on the upper joint with two bolts, in the hopes of sliding it up the steering shaft to no avail.

I also wonder why did Toyota put the bolts in the orientation that makes them so hard to remove? The FSM says not to loosen the nuts, only the bolts. Breaking the 100 ft lb of torque is no joke when you can only turn the bolt head from up top.

I'm going to put the bolts upside down so that they're easy to install and to torque.

Yes, you are hammering on the sleeve that joins the steer shaft to steering rack. Get a propane torch in there for a couple minutes and heat that coupling then hammer it, should come off pretty easy then, did for me after hammer/chisel for about an hour!

Thank you sir, I figured it out. A long brass drift and a 2# hammer worked the sleeve off of the rack's input splined shaft. I'll be sure to clean the splines with a wire brush, then some brake cleaner before putting it on the new rack's input splined shaft. A little anti seize will be used as well.