I'm replacing my 98 4R rack and reconnecting the hydraulic lines is impossible. Is there a trick I'm missing? I'm thinking I'll take the lines loose at the pump and push the lines out and reconnect to the rack before it's back in position. Any other tricks or tips are appreciated.

 

They're at two different angles, hand thread them first, 17mm flare wrench is nice. Look at your old rack and you'll see what I mean. Tight little space, isn't it? Lucky me with my long fingered girl hands. Patience and getting the right angle, it can be done.

You prolly don't need this informal pictorial at this point:
Starting at post 2100
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f200.../index105.html

 

I replaced my rack 8 years ago (with a blown back). It was not fun and I distinctly remember how challenging those connections were.

Have you already bolted the rack into place? If so, maybe remove the bolts again to allow movement of the rack?



Andreas

 

Agreed, at least loosen them up so you can shake the rack to help get the hydraulic lines attached. It was a royal PITA for me too. This seems like another case of Toyota designing it to be really hard to work on.