Steering rack replacement: AAE or OEM?

SpookyMulder

SpookyMulder

New member
So I'm in college right now and don't have access to my 4runner unless i'm on my breaks. However while I was home I installed a toytec/bilstein lift and got an oil change a couple days before I left back for school. However the day before I left I noticed a small puddle building up under the passenger side which I'm pretty sure came from the steering rack. So back story out of the way, would you guys recommend the AAE steering rack? A lot of the threads I read on the subject suggested that you should either replace with OEM or Safari since safari had brass bushings. From what I've gathered the Safari's were just repackaged AAE's. So I usually buy oem as much as possible but I heard the brass bushings on AAE will help the rack last longer and is quite a bit cheaper. If the OEM will last longer I'll just save for one of those however does anyone have anything to say about the AAE and their longevity? Also if anyone has any good write ups on replacing a steering rack please let me know, thanks!
 
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My I believe aae rack inner tie rods failed in one month. Few years later it's for a bad leak. Pretty much one manufacturer makes them and they are rebranded. OEM off affordable is best.
 
Hey Brother,

In regards to your question whether anyone has a good write-up or video, @infamounsRNR and I will have one for you to use very soon. We replaced the steering rack for Sean's friend Dave a few weeks ago and Sean just has to find the time to do the editing so we can upload it to our YouTube channel.

Here's a link to our channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9EMiD9KPy61kJ6hdXcbjxA

I'll post the video on this forum, but if you subscribe to our channel, you'll be notified every time we upload a new video so there's less of a chance you'll miss when the video is ready.
 
I just replaced my steering rack. It was pretty straightforward. The most tedious part is getting it back in and aligned correctly with the steering wheel. Im sure [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION] will show the tricks for that in his video. I was lucky and found a OEM rack with 116k miles on it for $140. I put new outers on it and poly bushings.
 
xpeppyx said:
I just replaced my steering rack. It was pretty straightforward. The most tedious part is getting it back in and aligned correctly with the steering wheel. Im sure [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION] will show the tricks for that in his video. I was lucky and found a OEM rack with 116k miles on it for $140. I put new outers on it and poly bushings.
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Hey George, getting the steering wheel aligned was one of my main concerns when doing this job and we do have a trick to share to get it aligned without making all the adjustment at the outer tie rods.
 
JayRolla said:
My I believe aae rack inner tie rods failed in one month. Few years later it's for a bad leak. Pretty much one manufacturer makes them and they are rebranded. OEM off affordable is best.
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It's a bummer to hear that. I don't want to take any risks at this point since my luck hasn't been great so I may just stick with oem. Thanks for the heads up.
 
mtbtim said:
Hey Brother,

In regards to your question whether anyone has a good write-up or video, @infamounsRNR and I will have one for you to use very soon. We replaced the steering rack for Sean's friend Dave a few weeks ago and Sean just has to find the time to do the editing so we can upload it to our YouTube channel.

Here's a link to our channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9EMiD9KPy61kJ6hdXcbjxA

I'll post the video on this forum, but if you subscribe to our channel, you'll be notified every time we upload a new video so there's less of a chance you'll miss when the video is ready.
Click to expand...

You have no idea how glad I am to hear that lol. I'm already subbed and I've been watching your videos for all the work I've done on my truck so far. Thank you guys for putting in the extra work to make quality videos for the community! Also what brand did you guys end up installing?
 
SpookyMulder said:
You have no idea how glad I am to hear that lol. I'm already subbed and I've been watching your videos for all the work I've done on my truck so far. Thank you guys for putting in the extra work to make quality videos for the community! Also what brand did you guys end up installing?
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We installed an OEM rack in Dave's truck. I never asked what he paid for it but Camelback Toyota sells it for $560.

I imagine Sean will have the video edited within a couple weeks.
 
SpookyMulder said:
I'm 90% sure this wasn't the case since it was leaking from the boot but I won't know for sure until I'm back in march
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The drip from the a/c can be deceiving, it will drop onto the frame, right sway bar mount and boot before making a puddle underneath. I'll cross fingers for you it's that simple.

I agree the line angles were the biggest pain, the nut in the center cross member is captive, tie your steering wheel so it doesn't turn and potentially ruin the clockspring....
 
mtbtim said:
We installed an OEM rack in Dave's truck. I never asked what he paid for it but Camelback Toyota sells it for $560.

I imagine Sean will have the video edited within a couple weeks.
Click to expand...

I'm installing a new OEM rack this week; paid $523.32 from OEMpartsource.com

Your videos are awesome. Thanks for doing these to such a high standard of quality.
 
Go oem and forget about worrying. I was tired of playing games with safari Ltd. And AAE on the racks since this has been discussed so many times with no real truth. Oem is only a bit more vs. AAE and the supposedly Beefed AAE rack safari Ltd sells. Oem had lasted us most of the miles on these 4runners I would say buying a new non remanufactured oem is worth the cost.
 
OEM all the way. Just installed new lines and oem rack from camelback a few months ago. One huge advantage to a oem rack is the new oem inner tie rod ends......:eyebrows:
 
Thank you guys for all the advice! Glad I'll have some peace of mind on going oem. The ARB front bumper will have to be held off for another time but at least I'll get some fresh inner tie rod ends with the rack.
 
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