Steering Rack R&R

Hi Techs of all types,
My Step-Son was coming back from a towing trip when the steering jammed on him. He looked under the front and told me the steering rack boots were torn open pretty bad, so it looks like I'm in for replacing the rack.
I'm a "retired" technician/mechanic, but spent very little time working on imports of any type. My Mitchell On-Demand calls for 4+ hours of component removal that I just can't believe.
I'd have to do the job jacked up on the ground. What can a guy get away with skipping?
I would be installing a premium rack, since messing around with cheap replacements is a huge waste of time on top of an already tedious job.
All advice and tips would be appreciated, since his family budget is tight and I am not yet too old to help. It's a `12 Tacoma 4.0l 4dr 4WD with a slight lift (2">) in the front. Tia,
Chris

 

Welcome to the forum.

The first hint Check McGeorge Toyota on the price of the new steering rack.

I hope the truck does not live in a Winter Chemical area.

Get the steering wheel centered before disconnecting the steering shaft .

I am sure you know Line Wrenches for the fluid lines.

New outer tie rods are a given when I swap one. New Steering Rack centered before being installed.

I always like to have new Hardware where I live hardware gets damaged so very easy.

Once your under the truck it should be easy to see what needs done.

Good Luck !