Long Travel BS Thread

Anyone know what size wrenches I need for an inner tie-rod replacement (2nd gen taco)? For the inner tie rod I believe I need a 36mm wrench, what about on the steering rack? I assume I need to hold the rack in order for it to not turn during the inner tie rod removal.

Also, can I re-use the claw lock washer? or just use some red or blue lock-tite? The replacements I purchased (555 from low-range) didn't come with them.

I also plan on taking out the rack in order to put in some new bushings. Hopefully its not a big of a pain like other guys from this thread are making it out to be. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/05-v6-tacoma-steering-rack-bushing-replacement.289436/

 

No need to keep the rack from spinning on 1st gen racks. I assume 2nd gen probably has same profile of the rack that keeps it from spinning when torqued.

 

fuck tie rods... almost ended up getting a while new rack cause mine were stripped from the last alignment shop.

 

Best quote of the day..

 

In other words no lock tite. Use or reuse the lock washers. Btw, I carry a pipe wrench to change them.

 

Yea, I have a collection of pipe wrenches from my house remodel. I may try that instead of buying a 36mm wrench. Since there are only two flats on the inner tie rod, I am not sure if I will be able to use the 36mm wrench due to clearances etc.. Ill try the pipe wrench and if that doesnt work I will buy the 36mm.

 

The difficulty I found with the inner tie rod was that the flats are extremely narrow compared to any wrench I had. I’ll probably buy a cheap wrench from HB air the swap meet and grind it down to fit. Interested to hear your solutions.

 

Ive done the pipe wrench trick on both 1st and 2nd gen tacos. Take your time and you can get it loose without galling..... Not sure, but kind of goes without saying, remove the tie rods first while the rack is still bolted down.

 

Get one of these:

$14 ABN Inner Tie Rod Tool – 3/8in Low Profile Tool for Inner Tie Rod Removal/Installation

https://www.amazon.com/ABN-Inner-Ti...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

They work like a charm and you don't have to dick around with the flats on the inner tie rod.

 

I actually have had one for a while but never checked to see if it would fit. The one I have might fit the 555 inner tie rods I just purchased or it might be a couple mm too small. When it warms up I may try that first.

 

Just checked the tool I have, It actually does work with the triple 5 brand inner tie-rods. Hopefully it will be smooth sailing once I get new washers for the Inner tie rods.

 

Good luck

 

So I got the front end partially broken down yesterday. I removed both inner tie-rods. The cheap auto zone tool worked like a charm. They weren't too tight which is why you definately need to buy new "claw" washers.

I locked the steering wheel and then removed the linkage from the rack. I connected a couple of extensions and pounded on the yoke of the steering "CV" joint to get it off the rack. Didn't take to much pounding to get it to move.

Now I just have to disconnect my PS lines and then cut the driver side bolt. I should be able to remove the rack after that and get on to replacing those bushings. I plan on buying a new bolt/ nylock nut and installing the bolt upside down on the driver side. I am confident that I can install that bolt upside down and not have it fall out over time.

 

FWIW I have had my Rack bolts loosen up on me before.
I would steer away from installing them upside down. Pun not intended.
Good luck!

 

0

 

So I was able to get the driver side rack bolt without having to cut it. I just removed the 4 compressor bolts and then was able to rotate the rack with the bolt and move the compressor at the same time.

I am currently getting my ass kicked by the factory bushings. The inner sleeves are definitely seized. I was able to remove the inner bushings but now the sleeves still need to come out. I will re-group tomorrow and maybe try to use my ball joint press to press out the sleeves once I remove the flanges.

 

I’m a cheap bastard. Didn’t buy the special spanner. Used two spanner’s from angle grinders. Straight pimp

 

If it works it works

 

I used to have this wrench from ORW. I do like the grinder wrench option however. https://www.kartek.com/parts/universal-shock-spanner-wrench-20-25-fox-sway-a-way-king-and-foa.html

 

It’s in my price range lol. And looks strong. Others I looked at appeared pretty flimsy.