(04) Lower Ball Joints + Tie Rods w/ Labor = $2,000?

@OP:


This means they are not Toyota OEM parts. Don't let them try to tell you they are OEM equivalent or better because they are greaseable.

 

EDIT: Nvm. Now I see what they're doing. Thx, but NO.

 

Back when I had my 2003 I had a place fail my inspection because of a leaking steering rack. They said they could do the work that day. I was young and didn’t know any better and needed my truck for work and school. It was over 1k for them to replace it with an OEM rack. Definitely felt like I got taken for a ride, but live and learn. Everything I’ve read is that OEM racks are better than reman. Same with ball joints. This shop will probably throw whatever ball joints autozone or oreilly delivers to them. Same with the rack.

 

I don’t know what labor is now.
Hope I don’t have to find out.

I don’t do AC or Transmission work.
So hopefully those 2 things don’t give me any issues.

My father can do AC work.
But sometimes it’s not worth asking. (If you know what I mean?)

 

Ha ha Ha I understand and can really relate .

When He passed I asked can I remove his head just to be sure!!

 

Yeah, well money is always the determining factor

 

Buy once, cry once.

 

I'm crying now! Got a clunking noise in the front lower. When the rain stops and I have time I will check everything out, including tie rods

 

You can order a brand spankin factory new one from Mcgeorge for right around $600...
not sure why everyone would do anything else.....

Are sure your rack is failing.....mine has 20K more than that its just fine.....

 

OEM Steering Rack w/inner and outer tie rods | Tacoma World

 

Yea, most of the truck's life has been in Michigan and New Hampshire so ungodly amounts of snow, salt, etc. I found this https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota....meT0yMDA0JnQ9cHJlLXJ1bm5lciZlPTMtNGwtdjYtZ2Fz but it's discontinued so I have no clue what all parts I'd need to buy. Found https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-steering-gear-4425035042 but does that come with tie rods and everything else I need? I think I'll just take my truck to the local mechanic and have him look at it. I don't have the space/time/knowledge to attempt this type of job.

Just took some pics, I'm gonna assume all those wet spots aren't normal:

 

Still lots of options.....your lucky these were used on a ton of vehicles....

Fit for



1996 - 2002 Toyota 4Runner All Models
1995 - 1997 Toyota Tacoma 4WD All Models
1998 - 2004 Toyota Tacoma 4WD and 2.7, 3.4 Liters
1998 - 2004 Toyota Tacoma 2WD and 2.7 Liters
1998 - 2004 Toyota Tacoma 2WD and 3.4 Liters and Pre-runner





OEM Number



4420035013, 44200-35013、4425035042, 4425035041

 

44250-35042 - Rack and Pinion - 1995-2004 Toyota | Sparks Parts


1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma Steering Rack Seal Kit - Edelmann 8882 - - PartsGeek.com

 

Thanks for the part numbers and links. I'm looking at this one for $495 https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-steering-gear-4425035042

I'm assuming that's just the rack, so I would need to buy the inner/outer tie rods and the lower ball joints (left and right) and I think that's it?

 

That's where I bought my new rack maybe 18 months ago, cost $525+ if I remember right. Crazy it's actually gotten cheaper

 

Yeah mcgeorge will tell you fore sure what fits.....
......best customer service I've ever seen.......
they just need your vin......and they'll always proof read/ double check your order.....

twice they've saved me.....held the order until I confirmed......

1st on master cylinder rebuild kit, and then the rear axle non abs lock rings....

 

Standard practice is these come with the inner tie rods installed ......so they can put the bellows on so its sealed in the box....

 

Spot on, they emailed me back within hours with the part numbers I need.

So for all parts from mcgeorgetoyota (Rack Assembly Steering Gear, 2 Outer Tie Rod Ends, 2 Lower Ball Joints) the total will be $814.89 compared to $1323 from Express. This is why these places have a bad rep, assholes were going to overcharge me $500 for non-oem shit parts.

I appreciate all the help from you guys, gonna see if the local mechanic will do it for a decent labor cost.