After getting my truck back from the local Firestone for alignment, I noticed the shop must have used a torch to heat up my outer-tie rod adjustment nuts in order to get them loose. This is fine with me, I've heated up numerous bolts to remove them, however it looked as though Firestone straight up used the torch head, not even a rose-bud tip. Unfortunately the extreme heat damaged the tie-rod threads, and melted the rack and pinion boot just enough to cause a slight hole. Not wanting to allow Firestone to mess anything up AGAIN, I decided to go purchase a new boot and a new tie-rod end and have them re-align it after I install it. WHY can I not find the boot anywhere!? I can't even have advance, autozone, or any other local auto store to even special order it (they say it isn't available). Is the boot available at the stealership?
Thanks in advance, and oh yeh for those wondering, I am currently trying to get Firestone to re-imburse me for at least the boot they damaged.
-Chad

 

You can buy the boots from the stealership, for around $19.00 each, I got mine here:


INNER TIE ROD BOOT, Tacoma, Right - MANUAL RACK and PINION 95-01 $12.08

If I'm not in a rush, I always order my parts from this place, they have the best prices that I've found so far.....

https://www.1sttoyotaparts.com/partscat.html


BTW Tacoma and 4Runner boots are the same and the left side is identical to the right.....Power steering boot part # 45535-35030

 

Appreciate the info, especially the Toyota Part #.
Thank you.
-Chad