Can you put a 200 rack into a 100?

[hoser]

Having owned three LC70's that are 35+ years old, I'm always in the habit of seeing what newer parts can be retrofitted in the older LC's. I happened to be looking at 100 series 03'+ steering racks and the possible substitution part is the 200 series rack. So, I take a look....

'03 LC100 rack

LC200 rack

It's tough to compare the pics because angle is different but what's obvious, the LC200 rack has (3) mounting points vs (2) on the 100. From my recollection, there "might" be enough room on the 100 crossmember to add that third mount. (no more premature bushing wear). I can also tell you the two front mounting bolts are the same between the two racks.

So, the BIG question is: what is the mounting bolt spacing on the LC200 rack? And is it the same as the 100? Anybody have both and can measure?

If the same, then I'll have a few more questions.
It's only a matter of time before the 100 racks are NLA new. This would be a great upgrade and ensure new racks for years to come.

 

[2020 Rocks]

Having owned three LC70's that are 35+ years old, I'm always in the habit of seeing what newer parts can be retrofitted in the older LC's. I happened to be looking at 100 series 03'+ steering racks and the possible substitution part is the 200 series rack. So, I take a look....

'03 LC100 rack

LC200 rack

It's tough to compare the pics because angle is different but what's obvious, the LC200 rack has (3) mounting points vs (2) on the 100. From my recollection, there "might" be enough room on the 100 crossmember to add that third mount. (no more premature bushing wear). I can also tell you the two front mounting bolts are the same between the two racks.

So, the BIG question is: what is the mounting bolt spacing on the LC200 rack? And is it the same as the 100? Anybody have both and can measure?

If the same, then I'll have a few more questions.
It's only a matter of time before the 100 racks are NLA new. This would be a great upgrade and ensure new racks for years to come.

I have no idea, but like the idea of a 3rd mounting point and think it would reduce movement as bushings age.

 

[OEMGUY0720]

I think the internals are 99% same. Do we have any resources wherein we can compare the eye-to-eye measurements of the front mounting? Yes I agree that third (rear) mount can definitely help secure the rack to reduce movement or less strain on the existing two front mounts. We can maybe fabricate a frame mount for the third.

 

[FxFormat]

I'm more interested in putting a 200 engine into a 100 body. Best of both worlds...

 

[dividedan]

I'm more interested in putting a 200 engine into a 100 body. Best of both worlds...

Or even better a 300 engine!

 

[GTV]

Is the steering ratio the same? I can find the spec online for the 100 rack (19.8:1) but not for the 200.

 

[YotaWagon]

Is the steering ratio the same? I can find the spec online for the 100 rack (19.8:1) but not for the 200.

I just searched "2008 toyota land cruiser steering ratio" and google says 16.7:1.

 

[Roosevelt T]

Or even better a 300 engine!

You and I think alike. I'd take an LS over the 3UZ, but the turbo 3.5 is awesome.

 

[dividedan]

You and I think alike. I'd take an LS over the 3UZ, but the turbo 3.5 is awesome.

I mean we’re getting the Tundra so it’s not a complete pipe dream to do that swap.

 

[hoser]

I'm more interested in putting a 200 engine into a 100 body. Best of both worlds...

Unfortunately, the 200 has the transfer case on the LHS, drivers side for us. The front driveshaft/differential will be an issue unless you were SAS'ing it with a non-LC axle. Fuel tank will be in the way. The 200 has a center drop rear diff and the 100 has a DS drop. Would probably be easier, cheaper and a better final product to find a wrecked 200 and swap the 100 body on it.

 

[cruiserpatch]

I was curious about all this so I went ahead and bought a 200 rack, 03-07 rack, 98-02 rack for direct comparison.

Here are my findings:

44250-60050 (01.1998-07.2002 LC/LX)
End to end (measured to inner tie rod end): ~115.1mm
Mounting bolt holes center to center: ~43mm
Steering gear ratio: 19.8:1
Inner tie rod minimum diameter: 11.95mm

44250-60100 (08.2002-08.2007 LC*)
End to end (measured to inner tie rod end): ~117.75mm
Mounting bolt holes center to center: ~43.5mm
Steering gear ratio: 19.8:1
Inner tie rod minimum diameter: 12.1mm

44200-60170 (09.2007+ LC/LX)
End to end (measured to inner tie rod end): ~135mm
Mounting bolt holes center to center: ~41mm
Steering gear ratio: 16.7:1
Inner tie rod minimum diameter: 13.5mm

*LX rack 44250-60120 has 18:1 ratio whereas LC rack has 19.8:1
I also confirmed that the 100 Series intermediate shaft mates perfectly with all three racks. The M16 union bolt for the pressurized PS hose also threads into all three which would indicate that a PS hose retrofit would NOT be required for the 03-07 racks into a 98-02.

I'll measure the racks again from the end to end with the inner tie rods removed for a better comparison and more accurate measurements.
If the 200 rack is far wider as suggested by my initial measurements, retrofitting it would require a lot of suspension changes beyond simply bolting it in.

My opinion on a 200 rack retrofit is that if you're going to that much trouble for upgraded steering, why not go full hydro or figure out a way to also upgrade the suspension for more travel up front? The juice ain't worth the squeeze IMHO.

200 rack bolt holes do not line up with 100 frame. They're close but would nee custom fab work just to mount them and some significant changes to the intermediate shaft (would need to be shortened).

The late model (03-07) rack mounting holes line up perfectly with the 98-02 frame which makes me inclined to attempt a swap in my '99 LX for slightly stronger inners, outers, rack and eliminate risk of busting my upper oil pan like Kelli Nicole and many others have experienced-
(see photo below- duct tape holding JB weld in place on early model LX470 with busted upper engine oil pan. the rear mount bolt contacts the pan in extreme situations when engine mounts are worn or given enough abuse)

 

[cruiserpatch]

Here are photos of the inner tie rods from the above steering racks:

And here are three overhead comparisons of the 100 and 200 racks inside a frame section cut from a 99 LX470

Clearly the 200 rack occupies more space than either 100 rack

 

[cruisermatt]

Great technical information Patch.

 

[cruiserpatch]

Great technical information Patch.

I'm surprised there aren't more inquiries or documentation about swapping 03-07 racks into the early models.
Surely I can't be the only one who would have considered trying it.

The damage to the upper oil pan is an engine killer if not noticed and fixed in the field (or prevented altogether).
My upper pan has some indentations from the rack bolt which has prompted me to look into this conversion.
I also considered jacking the engine up by .25" with some spacer plates since I already have a 1" body lift...could be a cheaper solution

 

[hoser]

People swap in LC200 racks into Tacomas/FJC's when going long arm front suspension. Can see it done here using Marlin's kit.