Steering rack

[Intruder]

Anyone know of a beefier aftermarket steering rack for the 5th Gen? I'm possibly looking at having to replace mine (pending what front end inspection comes back with tomorrow) and I'd like to take a look at any other options.

 

[Ducmonsta]

Anyone know of a beefier aftermarket steering rack for the 5th Gen? I'm possibly looking at having to replace mine (pending what front end inspection comes back with tomorrow) and I'd like to take a look at any other options.

I've never come across a beefier steering rack for any 3rd, 4th, or 5th gens. Sounds like your going to be the first SAS! Then go with hydro steer!

Just out of curiosity, what would you like to improve? The inner tie rod end strength? The outer tie rod end durability? The valving?

 

[Jeremy556]

Never heard of any. What is wrong with yours?
I had to replace mine, but it was from an impact that bent both control arms, knuckle, tacoed wheel, and split tire.

 

[Intruder]

Sounds like your going to be the first SAS! Then go with hydro steer!

Haha, not likely unless you know of some people who want to fund that for me. Maybe I should create the first T4R.org kickstarter...

Just out of curiosity, what would you like to improve? The inner tie rod end strength? The outer tie rod end durability? The valving?

The durability at this point. If the problem is the rack then it'll be the second rack I've gone through with this one not even lasting a year.

Never heard of any. What is wrong with yours?
I had to replace mine, but it was from an impact that bent both control arms, knuckle, tacoed wheel, and split tire.

I'm feeling resistance at certain spots when I turn the steering wheel. Pretty much the same symptoms as when the last one needed to be replaced. Not sure what the cause is provided it's actually the rack and not something else. They said that they'll try to warranty it, but it isn't something I want to have to go through regularly.

 

[jbstrd]

Haha, not likely unless you know of some people who want to fund that for me. Maybe I should create the first T4R.org kickstarter...


The durability at this point. If the problem is the rack then it'll be the second rack I've gone through with this one not even lasting a year.


I'm feeling resistance at certain spots when I turn the steering wheel. Pretty much the same symptoms as when the last one needed to be replaced. Not sure what the cause is provided it's actually the rack and not something else. They said that they'll try to warranty it, but it isn't something I want to have to go through regularly.

Have you checked your pump? Like you said, the rack may not be the issue.

I have gone through 3 steering racks on my Tacoma. Granted I am running a lifetime warranty Autozone unit after I initially replaced my OEM one long ago. The larger tires and extra stress from wheeling takes its toll for sure. Not sure how the newer generation racks compare to the older system, but it is definitely a weak point. I have just learned it is something I am going to have to replace every few years. Luckily I can change it out on my own and get it for free under warranty. The only thing I upgrade are the inner TRE's. The ones that come in reman racks are pathetic.

 

[Jeremy556]

I'm feeling resistance at certain spots when I turn the steering wheel. Pretty much the same symptoms as when the last one needed to be replaced. Not sure what the cause is provided it's actually the rack and not something else. They said that they'll try to warranty it, but it isn't something I want to have to go through regularly.

Might just be the U joint in the steering column.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/96639-steering-column-u-joint.html

 

[jrandom]

Ugh that horrible screaming from the blow by drove me nuts! I had just replaced the rack on my third gen 8 months before I traded it. I got the truck back and three days later the rack went out again, they replaced the rack again and the pump the second time around. It never felt the same, the dealer even stated it was new and not a rebuild.

Whole point being, I considered doing it myself and shopped around for an aftermarket rack I couldn't find one so I opted for dealer/warranty and glad I did.

 

[jbstrd]

Ugh that horrible screaming from the blow by drove me nuts! I had just replaced the rack on my third gen 8 months before I traded it. I got the truck back and three days later the rack went out again, they replaced the rack again and the pump the second time around. It never felt the same, the dealer even stated it was new and not a rebuild.

Whole point being, I considered doing it myself and shopped around for an aftermarket rack I couldn't find one so I opted for dealer/warranty and glad I did.

I have not had any issues with replacing my rack on my 98 Tacoma. I know it is less involved than the 120 platform rack since it is easily accessed on the older models. Definitely have to bleed the system with at least 40-50 turns lock to lock to get all of the air out of the lines.

 

[Intruder]

Have you checked your pump? Like you said, the rack may not be the issue.

Yeah, I'm hoping it might just be the pump or something else.

Luckily I can change it out on my own and get it for free under warranty.

Unfortunately from what my buddy who's a Toyota tech tells me on the 5th gen the engine needs to be lifted a bit to change the rack...

Might just be the U joint in the steering column.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/96639-steering-column-u-joint.html

Possible, but mine isn't stiff the whole way through from lock to lock. Say I'm making a left turn. The wheel will turn a bit, have resistance for a bit, then none, then more resistance, then none. Same goes for making a right turn. I'm bringing it for a diagnostic tomorrow morning so I guess I'll find out then.

Whole point being, I considered doing it myself and shopped around for an aftermarket rack I couldn't find one so I opted for dealer/warranty and glad I did.

Toyota would not cover mine under warranty the first time due to lift, tires, and general off roading.

 

[NateMob]

SAFARI LTD. Makes an upgraded 3rd Gen rack, maybe contact them and see if they would work on something with enough customer interest. Good luck man.

 

[Intruder]

So it isn't the rack, the steering shaft has flat spots in it. They quoted me two different prices for the labour - one if the skid plates are on the truck and a lower one if I remove them before bringing it in.

 

[Zeder]

Intruder,
If you are going to do the rack, perform the spring upgrade in the rack to prevent/diminish steering wobble. The Lexus TSB, can't remember the number. Parts are cheap, but to get to the location meant removing the rack I think. If its out upgrade it.
Z