I have been planning to buy a reman'ed steering rack for a while but I decided to get on car-part.com and I found a couple used racks for ~ $100 close by. Calling tomorrow to see if they include tie rod ends or not.

Does anyone know if the newer years steering racks are a straight swap onto a 97? There are a couple 99's and one off a '00 available as well.

 

You want a post 99 Steering rack. They re-designed the internal mechanism in 99.

 

So you mean a 99 or later steering rack, not post 99 right?

The recycler said that the price included everything including the outer tie rods. I'll be driving down tomorrow to go check it out.

 

Why the need for a new rack?

 

I think all the jumping and mudding I did in highschool probably wore it out.
I tried polly bushings last year which helped some but it still wanders and the steering still feels "vague". Also, when driving down my gravel driveway, I feel clunking in the steering as I go over the small bumps.

When I get under the truck and have someone turn the wheel back and forth, I can see the inner tie rods moving up and down as well as side to side. From my reading I think that means the internals are probably worn out.

I've decided to just spring for a new, well used really, rack. I realize I could get a reman'ed rack but that's over $300 and probably won't include outer tie rods which I think I need new ones because the rubber is cracking and grease is seeping out.

I am willing to take the chance on a recycled rack. I only have to drive 80 miles round trip, so that's less than $10 gas in my Civic

 

Yikes, I see...I'd agree then that the rack is the way to go. If they are moving up and down then most definitely I'd say they're worn.

Yeah, I need a gas saving car and then keep the 4runner for the weekend excursions and camping trips.