SkiRig

Truck: 1992 4runner v6, 208K

My steering box has gotten way too sloppy lately, something needs to be done. I have tightened the preload with no luck. All the other steering components look good. What parts get sloppy anyways? I see DIYs on replacing seals, but no talk of what is actually worn out.

Any reason not to just order a rebuilt steering gear from Autozone? Looks like about $275. Not sure I am up for a rebuild myself, seems like most of the DIYs are seal replacement only. A local shop will rebuild my gear for $325, but I just kind of want to get one and be done with it.

Any good/bad experiences with a rebuilt one from a big parts chain?

john4wd

If they'll rebuild it with them un-installing and re-build then them re-install for $325 and a new one from AZ is $275 worth the $50 to have them do it all...

Chef also said a 2wd gear box is the same as 4wd and not abused as a 4WD would be since they have to turn smaller 14 inch rims and tiny tires compaired to a 4wd and he put one on his 4runner, go to salvage yard and grab a 2wd steering gear box and see what happens, could get a used 2wd one for 50 or less. Good Luck :}

SkiRig

I just called Red Head Steering gear (local to me, good rep it looks like), they have one on the shelf for exchange at $296, might just go that route.
http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/

skypilot

iTrader: (1)

I just bought a junker on ebay for $99 shipped. Put it and it worked so not new or rebuilt but better than I had (335k miles). I do buy a lot of parts on ebay, Yes; I have been taken for a ride a couple of times but when I look at how much I have saved in time and money for those honest deals; I made out.