Waiting.... to replace my rack and pinion unit

I ordered a Low Range Offroad rack and pinion but the tierod ends are on the national backorder list. No known ETA. I can source tie-rod ends locally and they are not hard to replace. Just sucks having no-known ETA on parts when I need to fix my pickup.

O'reilleys carries some and rockauto of course has some Moog ones. Pretty basic part. I would think anything would work in lieu of OEM or higher brand parts.

 

I wouldn't over think it. Any parts chain like O'Reilly or whatever will have a premium option and a economy/house brand option. O'Reilly's cheap brand is Masterpro and they have a nicer line called Import Direct. Pretty hard to screw up a tie-rod end..

 

That's what I was thinking - I just hope they are ok with shipping the rack without them and giving me a credit on those parts that are not coming

 

After you talked to them about that last part? I'd worry about getting credit especially since they don't offer a rack without the TRE... their rack is an aftermarket one anyway, I would just order one from oriellys or Napa since they have "lifetime" warranties since you're not going with an OEM rack

 

The rack is a rebuilt OEM toyota one.

 

Huh, guess I glossed over the "rebuild of toyota rack" sorry for the misinformation

 

No problem. I looked for a long time and did a lot of research on here. OEM racks are nearly impossible to get right now. Low range has really good customer support and good products as far as I can tell and others that have used them.

 

Everything rebuilt is going to a rebuild of a OEM rack. They all started their lives as OEM racks

 

I have never seen a 1st gen 4wd rack not come with inner TRE/boots. That's OE, rebuilt or new aftermarket. Years ago Toyota sold them complete with outers.
FWIW, Front Range is not the actual rebuilder, they get the thing in a box, toss in a loose bushing kit, loose outer TRE's and a hefty mark up. If I had to buy a rebuild, I would stick with a local reseller for the convenience. Convenience being, minimum down time, no shipping, shipping on the return and face to face negotiation when it leaks.

Then there is the whole bit where they list a break between 2000/2001. This seems like their supplier is differentiating between the racks at the point where the rack guide was upgraded. It would be a shame to get a rebuild with the old style guide.

Like this one, from a reputable rebuilder (at the time).

 

I thought I remember them selling a version that doesn't come with the TREs anyway, though I don't see that now.

I'd just shoot them a phone call and ask.

 

Which TRE's are the problem? If it's just the outers they may sell just the rack.
Give them a call. Also ask if the rack has 555 inners or just what ever their rebuilder uses cause the Chinese inners could do this.

 

Holy shit sticks... that's some impressive failures!

 

if you can get the rack without them lmk there are 4 555 inner tie rods in a parts warehouse 5 minutes from my work and plenty more in the general area.

 

I am having them sell just the rack to me. It comes with the inners already. It's the outer 555 TRE they don't have an ETA on.

 

I just got my truck back from the dealer after 7 days. They replaced the leaking timing cover and leaking power steering pump.(they pulled the motor) Then called and said they have to replace the Rack and Pinion. This was all covered under extended warranty.

Total dealer bill: $6,577
49505 miles

 

Now I take back that it's a rebuilt OEM. I got the part but it's an aftermarket one. It also - does not have the updated guide. Well shit - back to the drawing board. Gonna see about returning it. Funny thing is the website shows the updated rack (from 2001-2004) but it's not what you get.

 

Those bastards I'm sorry you're dealing with that trouble

Did you keep your old one? They're rebuildable, but it's not exactly an easy job. I did it with the dirty pool write up on this website and a Gates rebuild kit I bought from rockauto


I regretfully can't tell you how effective my backwoods rebuild job is tho, cause I have yet to install it

 

If you are still looking for a replacement, I have an extra rack/tie-rod/bushing kit from low range in my garage that I'm not planning on using. Still in the box. PM me if you are interested and we can figure out a price

 

That's the one I already have. Since I am lifted I want to have the updated guide in there. Thanks though!

 

You know you're in the 1st gen section, right?