Ok, Have a question for the experts; A couple of weeks ago I was installing the steering colum spacer as part of the body lift kit installation. I noticed that if rotated the steering shaft slightly, the driver's side tie rod would move up/down about .25"+-. In the picture below, the driver's side (R&P boot off) the rod shown moves up and down about .25"+-. The up/down movement is bad enough that can be felt on the steering wheel. Is this a common problem? There is no leak, Do I need a new R&P? Can this be fixed with a rebuild kit?


I borrowed this picture from another member (Baloo) he had a thread discussing the same problem back in 2010, but never got an answer. Hope I do get one!

 

Yupp its time for a new rack. You can get seals and rebuild kits, but they are a PITA. I bought a reman from autozone(it even says Toyoda) on it. I forget what I paid, but it was very reasonable. It came with Rack, inner tie rods, and inner tie rod boots. Piece of cake putting it in. Just run Mobil 1 ATF in the steering system too. I have that ATF and a big'ol cooler and I never over heat the system, even with my big meats.

 

Whoa, that may not be necessary...

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/h...ctures-215931/

I replaced my guide, though I accidentally got the old design. Even so, It eliminated the "looseness" I felt, and the clunking I got when going over bumps. Eventually I'll replace it with the new design from teh 01-02's, but for now, I feel alot safer on the road.

EDIT: Actually, it looks like you already have the new design rack guide. Maye it has come loose? I'ts at least worth checking out before you replace the whole shebang.

 

I'd try replacing the guide before tossing the rack.