1st gen Tacoma tie rods suggestions

Today I tackled my steering rack bushings on my 02 Tacoma 4x4, believing that was the cause of the movement in my steering, however after completing the job and taking a look at my tie rods I found a tear in the passenger side boot and my tie rod ends were extremely easy to move. So now that I have diagnosed that I need new inner and outer tie rods, what is a good brand for aftermarket, if I’m going aftermarket I would really like some that has grease fittings, so if i could get your suggestions if would really appreciate it. And what special tools should I pick up to make this job easier, autozone has a fancy inner tie rod remover I think that might be worth renting.

 

I've happily been running on Moogs for 9-10 months now I believe. Seen other people on this forum go with Moogs with similar satisfaction.
I think they have grease fittings? Can't recommend tools as I had the shop install mine. Thank god I did. Old ones had completely rust-fused into one piece. They had to cut them out in pieces.

 

I replaced my inner and outer TRE's with 555's from lowrangeoffroad. If I remember correctly the inner TRE is 32mm and the rack is 30mm but its a little on the skinny side. I used a big adjustable on the TRE and a 1-3/16 crows foot to hold the rack. Worked just fine.

 

I have heard mixed reviews on after market inner tie rods, however the price of OEM just kills me so i think I’m going to have to go with aftermarket. How many miles and years have you had the 555’s on for?

 

Im kinda scared to see if my inner tie rods are welded together as I found a rip in the boot, I’m hoping no water go in though.

 

It took the shop eons to get them out. Thankfully, they honoured their original quote to get the work done.

 

I just replaced them in February and only have about 4k miles on them. I also just replaced every other joint/bushing on the front end so no movement for me.

 

What was your choice of bushings to replace the originals? I've been looking at replacing UCA and LCA bushings, but seem torn between Energy Suspension, Whitelines, or going with OEM.

 

I put Whitelines in the lca's and Energy in the uppers. When the uppers wear out again I'll probably buy the whole uca, not that they were hard to do but mine are a little rusty from living in the NE. I also replaced upper and lower ball joints with OEM Toyota and sway bar links/bushings with Moog.

 

I replaced my LCA bushings with Whiteline. Replaced my entire uppers with SPC upper control arms. And replaced my rack bushings with Energy Suspension.

Did it around 2 years ago, no complaints... Made a million% improvement.

 

When I replace the UCA's in the future I will most likely go with SPC.

 

Unless you do the go fast stuff and really beat on your truck that way. SPC is good to go.

 

I'v been thinking of doing an ES bushing overhaul on my front end. But have been a little on the fence after seeing numerous comments in other threads regarding super-stiff rides and horrible squeaking.

 

Thats why I put Whiteline in the LCA's. Heard the same about ES. I made sure to grease them really good before putting them in.

 

I don't squeak when daily driving etc. I do squeak a bit when off road... but that's just my truck tellin me she's a badass.

All badass trucks squeak off road... that's a rule somewhere.

 

@02blancotaco - Sorry man, I feel like we're going off topic here.

I'd be open to suggestions as well for tie rods too (for when I eventually have to replace them) if people feel there's a better option than Moog?

 

Agreed... Apologies for going off topic. I replaced my inner tie rods with Pro Forged 2 years ago, and have a BUNCH of miles, on and off road on them. No issues so far. (couldn't bring myself to spend it for OEM).

I make sure to have my alignment checked at least twice a year. Believe me, if they see the slightest problem, they'll tell you, and try to sell you new parts.

 

As far as a special tool for the inners... I didn't need anything other than the box end wrenches.

Not even sure how you use the inner tie rod tool lol.

I guess I actually rebuilt my front end about a year and a half ago. Here's my thread on the tie rods.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tie-rod-end-replacement-suggestions.523928/