Drawbacks to going with non-OEM steering rack (1 Viewer)

[TexasRed]

I am looking at purchasing an LX 470. It would be my first cruiser. The only downside is when the pre-purchase inspection came back I was told that in needed a new rack immediately and that the way it is now is a safety issue at highway speeds. I have been given quotes of up to $2000 for a new OEM part and install. This does include changing a hose or two that might need it and final alignment. I am fairly handy and am willing to try almost any project in my driveway. I have reviewed the threads on DIY rack install and think I can do it. My main question is will I regret buying a $320 detroit axle rack over the $800 OEM? This vehicle will not be used in extreme offloading situations... at least not for a little while. I just want to install a part that will last an acceptable amount of time. Opinions...?

Also, what other parts should I upgrade and/or replace while I am down there. I have read something on synthetic bushings... do the bushings not come with a new rack?


I was also told that the wheel bearings will need replaced before too long. Do y'all recommend just replacing everything or repacking?

 

[atnolan94]

I am looking at purchasing an LX 470. It would be my first cruiser. The only downside is when the pre-purchase inspection came back I was told that in needed a new rack immediately and that the way it is now is a safety issue at highway speeds. I have been given quotes of up to $2000 for a new OEM part and install. This does include changing a hose or two that might need it and final alignment. I am fairly handy and am willing to try almost any project in my driveway. I have reviewed the threads on DIY rack install and think I can do it. My main question is will I regret buying a $320 detroit axle rack over the $800 OEM? This vehicle will not be used in extreme offloading situations... at least not for a little while. I just want to install a part that will last an acceptable amount of time. Opinions...?

Also, what other parts should I upgrade and/or replace while I am down there. I have read something on synthetic bushings... do the bushings not come with a new rack?


I was also told that the wheel bearings will need replaced before too long. Do y'all recommend just replacing everything or repacking?

A full wheel bearing kit with new bearings and races is not expensive from @cruiseroutfit I'd just replace them since you can't know the full history.

OEM Racks can be had for closer to $550 online. I won't chime in on the detroit axle one. I will wait on others' opinions. But in general, when in doubt OEM is the way to go.

 

[TexasRed]

I will check out cruiser outfit.

Can you point me in the direction of these $550 OEM parts? Are they new or refurb?

I've learned the hard way on my Silverado that OEM is generally safe route.

 

[DTCsk8er]

The ~$550 part can be found at most online Toyota parts houses.. camelbak toyota for one is good.

There are a few guys who have been brave enough to be vocal about their good experiences with aftermarket racks.. I have an aftermarket rack sitting in my garage waiting for me to install. I hope to be able to rebuild the old OEM one, and keep it as a backup.

IMO, I've installed many non OEM parts in my rigs, and most of the time I encounter no issues. That being said.. there are a lot of guys here who won't take that chance.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Wheel Bearing Kits fwiw:
YWST: Wheel Bearing Overhaul Kits for the 100 Series (LX470)

 

[SmoothLC]

I will check out cruiser outfit.

Can you point me in the direction of these $550 OEM parts? Are they new or refurb?

I've learned the hard way on my Silverado that OEM is generally safe route.

I got my rack for just over $500 from Norwalk Toyota earlier this year.

 

[TexasRed]

Not sure if I want to take the chance either since it sounds like it can be a PITA for the DIYer.
Ill do some searching and try to get one ordered. I'll probably just pony up for the OEM.

Hopefully these improvements will get the car safe to drive for a while!

 

[Ninja Cruiser100]

OEM rack has much better tolerances. You'll only have to do it once.

 

[TexasRed]

SmoothLC. Looks like you got a steal! Just got off the phone with Norwalk Toyota. They quoted me $720 for new OEM.

On to the next one.

Do the LC and LX use the same part number? Also, I read somewhere that there were some changes in 2004. So, I need to make sure the part is for 98-03. Does this sound right?

 

[Somebodyelse5]

I got my OEM rack for around 500 from my dealer. Go OEM because it will last. Refurb racks are not ideal, can't add worn metal back (cost effectively).

If you are going to do it yourself, go OEM, it will last longer and it is a royal pita to replace. If you are not going to do it yourself, go OEM, it will last longer and it is expensive to replace.

Moral of the story, go OEM.

 

[2001LC]

I am looking at purchasing an LX 470. It would be my first cruiser. The only downside is when the pre-purchase inspection came back I was told that in needed a new rack immediately and that the way it is now is a safety issue at highway speeds. I have been given quotes of up to $2000 for a new OEM part and install. This does include changing a hose or two that might need it and final alignment. I am fairly handy and am willing to try almost any project in my driveway. I have reviewed the threads on DIY rack install and think I can do it. My main question is will I regret buying a $320 detroit axle rack over the $800 OEM? This vehicle will not be used in extreme offloading situations... at least not for a little while. I just want to install a part that will last an acceptable amount of time. Opinions...?

Also, what other parts should I upgrade and/or replace while I am down there. I have read something on synthetic bushings... do the bushings not come with a new rack?


I was also told that the wheel bearings will need replaced before too long. Do y'all recommend just replacing everything or repacking?

It's good your doing this DD before purchase to get worst case. But don't assume rack is bad because the inspector told you so. He said replace wheel bearings, rarely is this needed.

I've one a Dealership (non Toyota) said; replace rack, LCA, front drive shafts and wheel bearing over $5K in shop work with non OEM parts. They were wrong on ever count. It only needed wheel bearing parked and one boot clamp replaced on each side.

There is a TBS on the VGRS of LX, starting in 03 IIRC. Seems they develop a kit for rack to fix this, if your issue. Most often the issue with rack is the mounting bushings. These are not sold by Toyota, so many use aftermarket poly bushings. Rubbers are available.

If you gave the year and miles it would help us steer you!

 

[TexasRed]

Its a 2001 LX 470 with 182,000 miles. The inspection was done by a cruiser specialty outfit in OKC so I somewhat trust the know what they are saying.... hopefully. Not sure what TBS and VRGS is but this vehicle is pre 2003 so it might not matter.

 

[atnolan94]

Cruiser Corps?

 

[TexasRed]

Yes.

 

[TexasRed]

When ordering these parts. What extra should I order that doesn't come with it.

Poly Bushings
New Hardware
Outer Tie Rod Ends
Hoses
etc.

 

[atnolan94]

If you get a new rack, I would personally stick with OEM bushings, the rubber is a bit forgiving.

 

[TexasRed]

The rack doesn't come with them does it? How many are there?

 

[roma042987]

I got my rack for just over $500 from Norwalk Toyota earlier this year.

Same here Norwalk is now my go to. Just bought one from them two months ago for right at 500 with the ih8mud coupon code. You’ll want to get the “D” bushing as it’s not included and both outer tie rods. Tie rods were ~$50 a piec and bushing was ~$20. You’ll want a couple quarts of dexmerc atf. This is NOT a job you want to do twice. Go oem 100%.

 

[roma042987]

The rack doesn't come with them does it? How many are there?

You need one additional “D” bushing other two are pressed in and are part of the rack assembly

 

[TexasRed]

Perfect! exactly what I was wanting to know!

Does Norwalk have an online parts catalog with cheaper prices? I called the parts desk at the dealership and was quoted $729