Steering Rack and Pinion- woops, wrong part!

So, time to replace the steering rack and pinion on my 1998 2WD X-cab 2.4L Taco. After watching a few tutorials and step-by-step walk-throughs, I determined the part number 44250-35042 was a match for my VIN. The part looks like this:


The accordionated black oil/dust boots clamp to the end of the inner tie rods, presenting external facets for a wrench and internal threads to accept outer tie rods. Problem is, that ain't what I've got, which is either a long inner tie rod or "mid" tie rod, with the outer tie rod threading OVER what connects to the rack and pinion assembly! It looks like this-


Minus the orange caps, of course- that's where the outer tie rods threat over. This part is identified as 44250-04010 . Problem is, I can only find this as a "re-manufactured" part. How does that differ from "reconditioned" or "rebuilt"? I have no clue. Say I wanted only new OEM parts- does anybody know if the only difference in fitment between the above parts is the handling of the outer tie rod? If so, is the newer-style outer tie rod compatible with the wheel assembly it connects to? Anybody have first hand experience?

 

I likely can't be much help, since I have a 4WD 6-lug, and have never worked on any of the 5-lug trucks. That being said, that rack above looks identical to the rack on my truck, and it makes me think you're looking at a 6-lug's steering rack. I would double check your part #. Perhaps try a reputable online retailer, such as McGeorge Toyota, and enter your VIN on their site, to see if you come up with a different part # for the proper steering rack for a 5-lug 2WD truck.

 

Here's an image from the ugly underbelly of my ride:

 

Did you post a question about this to my web site? (I replied there, if you did )

At any rate, if 44250-04010 is the right part number based on you VIN - at a reputable dealer as @Red_Taco33 mentioned - then getting a remanned one from Toyota (44250-04010-84 for the remanned part) will essentially be like getting a new one, I wouldn't worry at all.

Buying remanned somewhere else, or a 3rd party/aftermarket rack, I'd stay away from. At least, that's the guidance for the 4WD/Prerunner racks.

 

I did! Thanks much for replying here, as well. As you indicated, the OEM Toyota parts dealer proffered the 44250-04010-84 re-manufactured part. Your vote of confidence is comforting, much thanks- and, of course, for the lengthy how-to that must have taken a good many hours to author.