Does the rack have to be unbolted and moved to remove the rear alignment bolts in the LCA's ?

Thanks , Kenny S>

 

I always had mine disconnected. I believe the rear cam bolts slide out towards the rear of the vehicle. I guess I'd try first with it connected and see if you can squeeze them from around the boots.

Taking the LCA's out/cam bolts is sort of a job, at least in my experience. I usually disconnect everything. Getting the arms back in takes a lot of patience as well.

 

I hope not. I've replaced the entire rack and have no real desire to mess with that again (since I'm replacing LCAs, upper & lower balljoints, etc. in a week or so).


Andreas

 

Well.............from what I see, the bolts slide right into the center of the boot area on the rack.
The rack boots are by no means supple rubber.
I'm just waiting for someone who's done it to chime in just in case there is
a short cut or more direct way.

Kenny S>

 

Hmm. Undoing the rack from the frame mounts is easy, but that means we'll need to undo the steering shaft as well (again).


Andreas

 

I just did it for the 3rd time 2 weeks ago. I removed the rack for simplicity. 4 bolts on the rack isn't that bad.

 

Straight from the FSM, for removal of lower control arm:

REMOVAL
1. REMOVE FRONT WHEEL
Torque: 110 N·m (1,150 kgf·cm, 83 ft·lbf)
2. REMOVE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY
(See page SR–76)
3. DISCONNECT STABILIZER BAR LINK
Remove the nut and disconnect the stabilizer bar link from the
lower suspension arm.
Torque:90 N·m (920 kgf·cm, 66 ft·lbf)
4. DISCONNECT SHOCK ABSORBER
(a) Remove the shock absorber lower nut and washer.
Torque: 135 N·m (1,400 kgf·cm, 101 ft·lbf)

 

So much for trying to do one side at a time so that my rig is not totally torn apart.
ugh.!

Kenny S>

 

I replaced the drivers side LCA on a 2001 Taco, I think I just loosened the rack from the frame. I know I didn't remove the rack completely.

 

That seems to make sense - loosen & pivot or move out of the way temporarily. I may start this silliness over the weekend if the parts arrive Saturday.


Andreas

 

keep us posted because i'll be doing mine in a few days.
Kenny S>

 

Which flange do you press from on the new bushings?
I'm thinking the outer flange.
I'm guessing you could damage the bushing by pressing from the center
flange. Kenny S

 

I think thats what I did.