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

The new bearing actually slips in without much force at all, its mainly the other shit that follows thats a tight fit. I set the bearing in, tapped it into place with a length of pipe lightly until you "feel" it bottom out, then follow with retainer/snap ring, ABS ring, and the last retainer which is the golden child of them all and the most important to get "right". I wouldn't even trust a shop to do that, because its a fine line between fucking it up/ pressing too far. You've probably seen the way to test which is to put that last retainer on, tap it onto the axle but not much, grease your new axle seal, put the axle in and give it a spin. you'll then have a grease line to show you exactly where you need to be: riding in the middle of the retainer is the goal.

Everyone makes the concrete method out to be some shady shit, and maybe it is to some, but I really had no other choice. Once I understood what needed to happen, it really wasn't that bad. I wrapped the splined end in towels and taped the shit out of it and the splines had zero damage when I was done. I'm not a strong dude or anything but had the bearings out within 5 or 6 whack's on the ground....pretty painless. I've read the horror story's though, so I feel ya on wanting the shop to do it

 

Of course. Only way to go!

 

What did that run you? Im scared

 

Yeah, I replaced steering rack couple years ago with reman one from rock auto, what a pile, already leaking PS fluid. I couldn't afford an OEM one, would def have gone with that if I could. Have heard really good things about Rack Doctor! for those that cant cough up $$$ for OEM but still want a quality rack. That'll be my next one for sure

 

The cost of my deductible. Ball joint failure and insurance covered everything.

 

I like it man. So much I used it as a template to make mine for my 4runner. I wanted a few more options too it... like winch and skid plate. Also i tucked it in super close. So much i had to trim the grillie to fit the winch.

Looks good on your truck man! if you don't have plans for your Blinkers yet i suggest moving them up to the grillie like i did or do the corner light mod.

 

Rack doctor or cvj have oem reman racks for decent prices

 

I'd stay away from rack doctor. My rack doctor started leaking after a year. I am going CVJ next. I think @BDN had a similar experience with rack doctor as well.

 

Napa sell reman racks too. I'm planning on going with them.

 

Damn, that crazy, hadn't heard any bad reviews on them yet. I know I'm going with CVJ for half shafts, might ask them bout steering rack too

 

FWIW, OEM racks are going for +/- $500

 

I had a guy cut and weld a bracket/frame thing I guess to my bumper that had a 2"ish hole for some marker lights I got from calranch. They passed inspection so I guess it's good enough.

 

Threw on the F5s today. Mandatory crappy cell phone pics. Next up: King Shocks/Icon Leafs

 

I'll do some more research on that method and how to do it.

I would probably take it to Toyota and have my wallet fucked but it'd hopefully be done right. I've got hopefully until Saturday to figure out which option I'm going to do

 

Best Reply Ever

 

This video was actually pretty helpful, although its for a 4runner, same principle. He uses the pipe method at the end, to give you an idea. Maybe a good idea to have Toyota press everything off, then you can reassemble on your own

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDz-ALn7NsE

 

I wonder how many times the "can i lift my truck and fit these tires" question will be asked

 

Thanks! Ill probably end up with a cvj before winter hits

 

Eternity, it would seem

 

Trying to confirm the Mall Raited-ness of my truck Currently at 90%, Really striving for that 100%