1st Gen Mechanic Recommendation (Rack/Pinion) - SLC Area

Good afternoon fellow taco owners.

I have a 2003 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road who's rack and pinion apparently needs replaced.

This is past my knowledge or time availability, so i'm looking for a good mechanic in salt lake to confirm this and do the work. I've always been told OEM is best so would request those parts be used, or i'll order them and just pay for the work.

I also need to replace my tires (265/75R16), any recommendations are welcome (80% commuting, but the other 20% can be on very rough roads).

I'm more than willing to drive outside the area if that's necessary.

 

I've used Palmer in the past, he gets all his parts from the Toy dealer or Napa,
As for price? Can't really complain too much - he guarantee's the work for 2 years

 

I've taken my Tacoma to State Automotive in Midvale for a few years now. They specialize in older Toyotas and have always been great.

But, I am hesitant to recommend them anymore. I've been struggling with them for a few months after they replaced my steering rack. See this post.

So, I'm interested in finding a new shop as well that can handle alignment with aftermarket suspension parts.

 

I've been going to Palmers in SLC, they had an awesome mechanic years ago, he did my water pump and timing belt. Next year was clutch, Front struts was last thing they did for me, that cost $900 for just the 2 front. I though it was pricy
But that aside, Palmer guarantees his work for 2 years - he gets his parts from the local Toyota dealer from around the corner.
Even his estimates are usually spot on, if anything comes up that was not seen he'll call you for approval. And if cost will significantly increase he'll call first for approval

 

I just dropped off my truck at Impulse Offroad. They were recommended to me by Cruiser Outfitters. I'll respond back after they get my truck done.

I just checked on Google Earth. They are 552 feet from my office in a straight line. That's pretty convenient.

 

Picked up my truck. Impulse Offroad was great. They were able to get my alignment fixed. My truck drives great again. I would recommend them again.