Steering Rack Bushing Replacement - Lift the Truck on Jacks or Not?

[FD7683]

As the title says, i'm going to be replacing my steering rack bushings soon as my steering is all over the road and I have read old posts and i'm not getting a consistent answer whether I should lift the truck on jacks or not.

The reason I ask this is because my jack stands are only rated for 2 Tons which I mainy use for my light Honda which works perfectly fine but for the 4Runner I feel like it's too heavy for them. Would it be best to disconnect both Tie Rod Ends and change the bushings on the ground? I was able to replace the sway bar bushings on the ground and had no problem doing it This is my first ever steering rack bushing replacement.

Any answer and advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[mtbtim]

Get yourself a set of 6 ton truck jack stands.
Amazon.com: Pro-Lift T-6906D Double Pin Jack Stand - 6 Ton, 18x12 Inch (Pack of 1) : Automotive

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[FD7683]

Thanks for the video Tim. Would it be possible to use ramps and have both tie rod ends disconnected instead? I did see by disconnecting the driver side tie rod end the job would be easier but you did yours on jack stands. I don't have a jack to lift the truck high enough plus the jack stands aren't good enough for the 4Runner.

 

[mtbtim]

Thanks for the video Tim. Would it be possible to use ramps and have both tie rod ends disconnected instead? I did see by disconnecting the driver side tie rod end the job would be easier but you did yours on jack stands. I don't have a jack to lift the truck high enough plus the jack stands aren't good enough for the 4Runner.

You'll have an easier time with the wheels out of your way and the rig up on jack stands. I suppose putting it up on ramps would work.

If you plan on doing more jobs on your rig, you really need to invest in a hydraulic jack and get some taller jack stands.

 

[whyzee125]

I did mine on jack stands with the wheels off. I have no idea what weight my jack stands are rated for but they're pretty beefy. I used a floor jack as a secondary precaution and put the rims under the hubs so I had lots of protection should the jack stands fail.

I did not disconnect the tie rod and the job was a piece of cake. There's a youtube video (by Samuel Bishop) that shows his method with a lot of cursing and frustration haha. I followed his video and it went smooth as can be. It's pretty funny too. Good luck!

 

[FD7683]

You'll have an easier time with the wheels out of your way and the rig up on jack stands. I suppose putting it up on ramps would work.

If you plan on doing more jobs on your rig, you really need to invest in a hydraulic jack and get some taller jack stands.

I really appreciate the advice. I rarely work on the runner so buying a bigger hydraulic jack and jack stands didn't cross my mind enough until this upcoming job. The compact jack that I have will not lift it high enough which sucks and the jacks are not safe to use.

I did not disconnect the tie rod and the job was a piece of cake. There's a youtube video (by Samuel Bishop) that shows his method with a lot of cursing and frustration haha. I followed his video and it went smooth as can be. It's pretty funny too. Good luck!

I also watched his video and gave me confidence in doing this job! I will be cutting the bushing and hammering a beefy socket through it with a big steel hammer just like he did. For easy work on ramps I will be disconnecting both tie rod ends if the nut holding it isn't too bad in condition.