What have you done to your Tacoma today? 1st Gen Edition

Oem. Unless you wanna replace it again in two years.

 

I don't think I've seen one last longer than a year from a lot of folks on here.

 

Parts store starters and alternators seem to have a high rate of return, starters are a bit better than alts tho

 

Go for it. Just relaying observations and what I'd do.

 

Are you sure the slack is in the rack?

My sketchy at speed issues were cured by new inner and outer tie rods, rack bushings etc.

Also (I haven't done this) but many people say the tack weld mod works wonders.

 

Yes... I'd check the other, easy(er) cheap(er) stuff before buying a steering rack.

 

Thanks Monte! I appreciate the feedback. As much as i love cali, i wanna go. Cuz i hate it...lol

 

I remember you and I think either box rocket or maybe squeaky penguin had issues with reman’d racks, I was going to look it up when I had a minute but I was pretty sure OEM was the way to go.

I’m not 100% positive, I was rotating the tires and felt a lot of slack so I had dad watch while I wiggled and he thought it was the rack.
I replaced OTRE’s 2-3 years ago, steering rack bushing 2 years ago (failed Va inspection because of the bushings).
I have considered the tack weld mod, not long after I got the truck 6 (?) years ago I noticed that the steering was a little loose, I just never did the tack weld mod, over time it’s gotten really bad and I can wiggle the steering wheel about 8-10 degrees (if I had to guess) before steering starts to correct at highway speeds.

I’ll do a thorough check when I have a chance week after next (I have a second vehicle to go to work next week and then vacation) and make sure to check the CA bushings as well as ITRE and OTRE before the rack, just doing the rack bushings were a bitch.

 

Right on man Sounds like you're going about it in the right frame of mind... Just didn't want to see someone drop an ass ton of money on a rack, without checking all the "others" first.

 

Yeah the lca bushings are common to go these days. Just old now.

 

Yeah these trucks are just old now. Pretty much all the rubber needs replaced

 

Ouch

 

were you hearing any weird noises that made you check this?

 

I’ve had this radiator in two different trucks, first it was in my 2000 xtra cab 5 speed. I had to open the mounting holes in the radiator support, but that truck had been in an accident and the support was tweaked to say the least. I did also have to “clearance” the hood bracing a little bit with a hammer to clear the cap, and I had to get a fan shroud for a 4Runner/auto Tacoma. It’s now in my 2004 double cab, bolted up no problem, and the cap clears the hood no problem

 

Didn't have the time to do a rebuild. Lifetime warranty on the reman is less hassle too. Diodes on the original were dead from what the tester was showing.

 

My LCA bushings need replacing, going over speed bumps on the street causes them to 'creak' really loud. Not sure what other word describes it, it's deeper than a squeak. Like an 'eeerk eeek' sound if that makes sense.

When I was under my truck doing my LBJs a couple weeks ago I was able to confirm that was where the sound was coming from. When they get bad enough they'll start to clunk I guess, from what I hear.

 

I'd go as far as to say that you won't be able to hold alignment well, causing uneven tire wear.

Like I said, I'll help you swap those bad boys out!

I'm tired of hearing my brakes squeal every day I press the brakes

 

Installed my RTT today

 

I do have the “haunted creak” sound when going over bumps.

 

It really helps with "wander" on the highway. Not constantly correcting. I doubt it would show up nearly as much in off road driving. It's easy to test for. Unlock steering, reach up and grab column from under dash, and try to move steering wheel. Any amount of movement is worthy of the fix.