Power steering rack bushings

I am looking to replace my power steering bushings on my 03 4wd.
I was hoping to get upgraded better than stock bushings.
Anyone have suggestions on bushing or pros and cons between brands or bushing material?

 

Energy Suspension

 

Energy Suspension is a good choice for most folks, though some feel that even they are too flexible and decide to go with Total Chaos which are even stiffer.

Here's how to go about the work as well: Step-by-Step Steering Rack Bushing Replacement on a 1st Gen Tacoma

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When I ordered the Whiteline LCA bushings, I wanted their steering rack bushings also. They were out of stock at the time, but had these on hand, and said they were as good or even a better quality steering rack bushing:

https://superprousa.com/products/spf1836k-superpro-steering-bush-kit

 

I've been happy with the Energy bushings on 35" tires. They're worlds better than the rubber ones. I need to replace my rack and will go with total chaos this time like Dan mentioned above.

 

Thanks for the replies and info, I appreciate it.

I assume the stiffer bushings give better ride and or road feeling?

 

The rubber rack bushings allow for more side to side play when steering left or right. Poly bushings tighten things up so the steering feels more responsive and less ambiguous

 

The ES bushings I put in my '97 Taco 15-20 years back were still very serviceable when I replaced the steering rack in 2022. So I swapped out the OEM bushings on the new steering rack for the old ES bushings. I am pretty sure the old ES bushings (and my '97 V6 Taco 4x4) will outlast me.

 

I went with red ES bushings (also an 03 MT 4WD ExtendedCab,) not sure if it's true but I read that the black version is a little harder/stiffer poly. I can't tell a whole lot of difference.

 

Sorry to interupt, but according to a guide on here you need to take of the swaybar and undo lower ball joints to do the bushings. Can I just take them out as is. Thanks.

 

Not saying that the way I did it was smart or easy, but I didn’t remove a damn thing when I did mine. I was just starting out doing mechanic stuff and didn’t really know anything. These days, I would just remove the sway bar and call it good. Maybe the outer tie rods if I was feeling fancy. End of the day I would follow the tutorial turbodb has.

 

"better" is relative. You may find that the poly bushings feedback into the steering wheel more than the more forgiving rubber bushings. I've gone poly everywhere, and it's just fine for me, but that's not universally true for everyone. I think it was @glwood6 who returned from whiteline LCA bushings to OEM as he found the ride unbearable.

 

Indeed I did. The poly steering rack bushings are great, but since going back from poly to the oem rubber LCA bushings, I no longer want to sell my truck.

 

So what difference does it make in drivability? Are bumps more harsh when hitting them. Like the steering wheel wants to move or you feel the shock on your hands. Or does it make steering tighter and less boat like?

 

I can't see a reason for removing the lower ball joints to change the steering rack bushings. I have seen someone write they can replace the steering rack bushings without taking out the swaybar but removing it gives you more room to move the steering rack rearward to install the bushings. With the E.S. kit, the one that the long bolt goes through is in two parts, one goes in front the front and one from the back. You'll appreciate the room.

The swaybar is held to the frame with 4 bolts, they're in an awkward position and seem way longer than they need to be, but took mine out when I did the steering rack bushings. Pick up some swaybar bushings too since you'll have it out (I wish I did LOL)

 

I agree, do sway bar bushings at the same time and you won’t regret it.

 

All the poly's are gonna make for harsher stiffer feel.....
and may actually increase wear a tiny bit on the rack.....

changing the old sway bushings to ES made the biggest difference.....way less sloppy.....

those blue ones for the steering rack are all the same.....they sport a mid stiffness.....and all imported from the Aussie's....
all from the same injection machine.


I would much rather have the feel of the old soft rubber ones on the steering....but that design oem uses is designed to fail ,,,,its weak and rots.....
.....especially if you have any leaks......everything drains right onto the rack.....
.....with poly's you dont have to worry about that no more....


'We are proud of the fact that SuperPro is 100% Australian owned and manufactured'

 

I've replaced a bunch of steering racks on 1st gen Tacomas.

I really recommend Energy Suspension bushings for the rack. I was blown away at how much side to side movement there is on a brand new, OEM rack.

LCA bushings/arms are a different story. I always recommend OEM.

Having play vs stiff is a balance in suspension. Between having good control, and ride comfort.

 

So if a guy takes the sway bar off, and then start drilling out the big round one right