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2004 Tacoma steering rack bolt removal

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by TannerBethard1, Feb 19, 2024.

  1. Feb 19, 2024 at 10:38 AM
    #1
    TannerBethard1

    TannerBethard1 [OP] New Member

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    IMG_20240219_103520.jpg
    I cannot remove a bolt on the steering rack. Ive watched many videos on removing the lower control arms and they all say to remove this certain bolt. The bolt is impeded. Does anyone know a way to either remove the bolt or make it possible to access the lower control arm bolt as this is my main goal?

    I am trying to replace the control arm bushings and need the steering rack out of the way in order to access the control arms rear bolt. The passenger side was easy but the driver side is not so much.

    IMG_20240219_103532.jpg
    IMG_20240219_103548.jpg
     
  2. Feb 19, 2024 at 10:49 AM
    #2
    Andy01DblCabTacoma

    Andy01DblCabTacoma Well-Known Member

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    Do you have a diff drop?
     
    Squeaky Penguin likes this.
  3. Feb 19, 2024 at 11:26 AM
    #3
    TannerBethard1

    TannerBethard1 [OP] New Member

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    No sir. Not that I know of. The previous owner didnt have a reason to lower the diff as far as I know. My father recommended using a die grinder on the diff and remove some of the metal webbing.
    17083706944883059559561579423487.jpg
     
  4. Feb 19, 2024 at 11:28 AM
    #4
    Bishop84

    Bishop84 Well-Known Member

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    Unbolt sway bar and pull rack off. The bolt doesn’t need to come all the way out.
     
    rocknbil likes this.
  5. Feb 19, 2024 at 11:29 AM
    #5
    theesotericone

    theesotericone Well-Known Member

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    Remove the rear bolt from the diff mount at the crossmember. Jack the diff up until the bolt clears.
     
  6. Feb 19, 2024 at 2:04 PM
    #6
    rocknbil

    rocknbil Well-Known Member

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    Like Bishop says . . . . leave that bolt in and get the rack loose, with the sway bar out of the way keep moving it rearward until the rack is clear. Replace the sway bar bushings as you're doing the rack or you'll want to remove the sway bar again to do it later. Don't ask how I know. :-D

    If you're just doing bushings, same thing, you'll need to move the rack rearward enough to the that bushing in place.
     
  7. Feb 19, 2024 at 2:06 PM
    #7
    Andy01DblCabTacoma

    Andy01DblCabTacoma Well-Known Member

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    San Diego, CA
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    F: Kings SPC, R: 5100s+J59s. Custom armor.
    Check if there is a spacer above the front two diff mounts. This bolt does not look like OEM.

    upload_2024-2-19_14-6-45.png
     
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  8. Feb 19, 2024 at 2:17 PM
    #8
    Squeaky Penguin

    Squeaky Penguin Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

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    Lots of dust and custom dents, Check Build
    Agreed that there has to be a diff drop.

    Remove spacers and bolt will come right out.
     

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