How to change the rack and pinion steering -2nd gen V6

Just finished this today and it was a bitch. The main tip I'd give to others is when taking it out and putting it in is to rotate it 180° so the steering shaft input is facing outwards. Once in place turn it back 180° to line it all up. Otherwise the the differential is in the way.

 

Aright, another massive tip for everyone. Start the work with your steering wheel straight, then secure it with your seat belt. I did not, and now they can't align my truck because the steering wheel is so out of whack. I'm lucky enough to not have damaged my clock spring (yet).

 

How's the Reman unit holding up?

 

I've been running my reman unit for a month now, and have gone to a bigger, heavier tire and have been wheeling and it's still holding up great.

 

What brand reman? From rockauto?

 

Yeah, the same exact one that OP used. Sending back the core was super easy as well. Just reuse the original packaging, and you get a shipping label that's deducted from your core. I got $120 back.

 

Sweet, what did you fill the PS with? Dex 3 or power steering fluid?

 

Some dexron ATF that Advanced Auto had on hand. I believe the manual calls for Dexron II or III but they only had some synthetic Dexron VI I think. After a quick Google search it seemed to be fine, and I haven't had issues after a month of use.

 

I'm seeing a lot of different Racks with different part numbers. Just to verify before I face palm, The one that OP bought and posted the part number, will that work for a 2008 DCLB SR5 4x4? Wheelers bushings are in the pile of "To Install" shit in my garage. Thanks guys. Good write up OP. Gonna have the buds over and knock this out with some refreshments.

 

Just did this on the weekend here. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the thread, really helped me out a bunch. Could not have done it otherwise. Only removed the antisway, got the bolts out without loosening any major components. A breaker bar is your friend, for sure. To tacozim above I ordered that part number for my 09 4x4 dcsb trd, and it worked fine. Pretty sure that is the same PS rack for all tacomas and all 4 runners.

Just remember to get under that bottom lip with the pickle fork. I used my trusty sacrificial "crappy chisel" to bend the lip up. Also my opinion - get an air hammer one, not a manual. I used a manual and smashed my hand with a hammer. Twice. Not as fun.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSFLIt05YBU Watched this first too. It definitely helped. I was prepared for parts to be much more stuck than they were, so removing the spindle was no big deal compared to what this guy went through.

Hey thanks again dudes!

 

I also used the same part number as OP and I haven't had any issues. 2005 AC SR5 4x4

 

I just saw your adventure in the Lair thread. Looks like you had a wonderful time with this install

 

Maaaaaan, that shit was rough. Lesson learned though!! Run the seat belt through the steering wheel, and measure the end links

 

Subd just in case

 

Anyone know the size of the pickle fork used to remove the bushings?

 

Thank you for the thread. Just knocked this out yesterday at @559 MOTORSPORTS and we were in the office following this walk through. New A1 Cordone rack in with Poly bushings and I've never felt my steering this good. Thanks OP

 

I wish I had a size for you bud. But definitely make sure when you get it under that you get the fork under the metal bushing and not just the rubber one.

 

Sub'd

 

I may be doing this soon..

 

Is the consensus A1 Cordone for the reman unit? I am looking to do this soon and am seeing a lot of brands on rockauto. Also, has anyone used the sunsong lines? I am only replacing my rack and pressure lines because the lines and return lines are so corroded the look weak. Any suggestions on poly bushing brands as well?