Steering Rack Replacement Questions

[ToyotaBrah]

Hello all, I'm in the middle of replacing the steering rack on my 2006 LC. I might be over thinking these things but wanted to hear from others before continuing reassembly.

1. Does the gap between the steering wheel thrust stopper plate and firewall look appropriate? I have the no. 2 intermediate shaft fitted correctly on the ps rack so conceptually the sliding yoke will be positioned on the steering intermediate shaft correctly after.

When looking at this area standing at front of truck and looking into engine bay angle, there is a lot of exposed splines on the intermediate shaft. My photo is from the wheel well currently but will work on getting a better angle during daylight.

2. The entire front end is disassembled so didn't put effort into marking anything. I had the ps rack positioned to have each inner tie rod measure the same when referencing the boot clamp as measuring point. Is this reasonable approach for getting a general neutral point for the rack? Of course alignment will still be done afterward.

 

[Landman2000]

I recently replaced the rack on my 2000 LC. I marked everything beforehand. I did replace the intermediate shaft and outer tie rod ends as well. Here is a picture of the gap between my firewall and washer on the intermediate shaft before removal. I was careful to center the steering wheel and hold it in place with my seat belt during the process. I also made note of the remaining threads between the jam nut on the outer tie rod. Drivers side was like 10 threads and passenger was 11. Once I got everything installed back together, my steering wheel was slightly off center. I corrected this by loosening the clamps on the inner tie rod boots and rotating the inner tie rods in opposite directions until it centered my steering wheel.

My only issue now is the outer tie rod engagement to the inner tie rod threads is off my about a 1/4” from passenger to drivers. Never got an alignment either as I cannot find anyone locally I trust to do the job properly. Other than that it drives great.

 

[2001LC]

Line up the mark. Set steering wheel streight.

 

[excessive]

i still have nihgtmares about this job, one of the most difficult jobs ive ever done . good luck