Steering rack source

So I think I'm going to put a new rack in my truck. The one in it isn't that bad but I really want to tighten up the steering. Anyone know of a good source for a quality Repop? The dealer wants about $800 for a Toyota one. I know there are local places by me that offer them with warranties

 

how about doing the steering rack bushings instead?? especially if the gears dong grind and grab......bushings are alot cheaper and not hard to install. just a thought.

 

Did them already and they didn't do a damn thing Aside from knowing I did them, I didn;t feel ANY difference

 

damn!!

well....check rockauto.com....their prices on stuff is alot cheaper than most other places...and they are a vendor here,so you'll get a discount.

 

ordered one from this guys, it came and it was a reman toyota rack...... great deal


http://www.rackdoctor.net/

 

Thanks for the tips guy's!

 

also i've notice that both our tacomas have play in the steering column not the rack....

 

yeah....the steering column slop is annoying. im gonna look into tack welding it a bit in a few weeks when i get time.

 

Could you tell me exactly what to tack weld? I have a welder. You guy's are correct in saying the play is in the column. I think it is the upper shaft and not the lower one down by the firewall. Only bummer is it's about $200 for that upper shaft. Would be real curious if tack welding it would work

 

I think this is the culprit

 

i am going to look into it some more and see what i find. this guy doesnt come here too much anymore since he sold his truck...but search threads by "srfive"

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/members/srfive.html

he did a small write up on tackwelding the problem area.

 

I searched all his posts and couldn't find anything on the subject. Darn

 

yeah.....so did i. im not sure if it was deleted or not. im gonna look into it...cause it was pretty helpful.

 

Yeah me too. Let's find it. I'm welder ready

 

I found this

Anyone know how to get this shaft out?

 

not sure...but there may be a roll pin in there.

 

Anyone know if it can be tack welded in place without taking the shaft out?

 

Are you shitting me? Another factor that contributes to sloppy handling? I was hoping new suspension and rack bushings would sort my truck out. I guess I will just have to see after I install it and keep my fingers crossed that I don't have this issue, too.

 

I shit you not

Also don't expect too much from the rack bushings. I put them in and I felt zero difference.

 

new rack bushings will do nothing to cure the knocking noises or sloppy feeling you have in your steering system. ...it may make a difference if the old bushings were extrememly worn. ..but most of the movement i've seen from the racks are minimal. i also think most people change them out because they just don't like to see the damn thing move. ..not because it acutally cures any steering problems.

i spent some time under my sled yesterday and found at least part of the problem. i just grabbed the steering shaft at the point where it goes into the actual rack. i then rotated the shaft back and forth with my hands and could hear/feel the "clunk" coming from inside the rack right at the point where the steering input shaft enters.

i'd be curious to know if everyone's does the same thing. ...give it a try and post up!