new owner & steering question

[toadvine81]

Bought a 98 LC a couple of weeks ago. 2 previous owners, 111K, had just had the 90K service done, not much in the way of other service records. All stock as far as I can tell. No rear diff lock, unfortunately. Minor hail damage and a couple nicks & dings. Paid $10K and feel good about it. So far, I love the truck. Just put new BFGs on and am giving it a once-over as far as maintenance items.



One thing I've noticed is that the steering feels a little loose, but I've never driven a 100 series before, so I don't know if that's normal or not. I've searched and read up a little on the steering racks. Seems like they can be an issue, and mine looks like it's leaking a bit. How bad is this? Here's the driver's side. Passenger's looks almost exactly the same.



Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[paflytyer]

I didn't know they made a 98-99 without a rear locker??

 

[toadvine81]

I definitely could be wrong, but there's just a plastic blank in that spot to the left of the steering wheel, where other people's pictures show the rear locker switch being.

 

[Junglejack]

Hello,
Rear Differential Locker was optional on 1998 and 1999 LC's, but it does appear exceedingly rare to find LC's from then that were not equipped. LX's from 1998-1999 in the US did not even have the option.

Looks like a really nice truck and an excellent value.
Best.
J

 

[Supra88]

Your steering rack is leaking - pretty typical for the 100 series. Put a new Toyota rack on your PM list. It's probably a slow leak, but it'd be a good idea to keep an eye on your power steering fluid between now and when the new rack goes in. Welcome to Mud.

 

[toadvine81]

Thanks for the advice and the welcome. Much appreciated. Lots of good info on this board, so I'm sure I'll be sticking around.

 

[PADDO]

Maybe could do with new steering rack bushings, either OE rubber or poly. New sway bar link end bushings and cushions help tighten up steering too.

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

 

[adrenalinefjz80]

Maybe could do with new steering rack bushings, either OE rubber or poly. New sway bar link end bushings and cushions help tighten up steering too.

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

x2. The D bushing on the passenger side steering rack is 25 bucks and a 1 banana job. This will tighten the steering the most. I was surprised how much new end links and bushings further stiffened the steering from the front sway bar. Just watch the fluid level, there's no need to replace quite yet. Those bushings plus new fluid could last you another couple years.