Steering shaft for interchangeability

[cmattina]

Hi all

I got a rusty 2006 GX. the steering is heavy and choppy. I am thinking it is either the rack or the shaft. I'll probably order both. I am seeing the lower (and upper) steering shafts for the 4Runner and FJ fit the GX but only until 2002-2004 GX...

Is this true, or should a 2006 4 runner shaft fit my 2006 GX?

 

[Rednexus]

Glad you posted this - cuz I have the 03-04 shaft sitting in a box for my 07 and didn't notice they were different. Some pics form Partsouq below. Looks like it should physically fit, but the bellowed/collapsible part design is different. This is the part that's designed to crumple instead of pushing the wheel into the driver's face during a collision.

Early GX/All 4Runner/All FJ Shaft:

https://partsouq.com/en/search/all?q=4520335310

Later GX-Only Shaft:

https://partsouq.com/en/search/all?q=45203-60120

I have no idea why the 03-04 would have had this design, which would have been carried over into the later 4Runner and FJ, but changed for the GX. I will personally have to think a bit on if I use this shaft or try to source the correct GX shaft, which seems to be more expensive and hard to find.

 

[Sixto Lezcano]

Glad you posted this - cuz I have the 03-04 shaft sitting in a box for my 07 and didn't notice they were different. Some pics form Partsouq below. Looks like it should physically fit, but the bellowed/collapsible part design is different. This is the part that's designed to crumple instead of pushing the wheel into the driver's face during a collision.

Early GX/All 4Runner/All FJ Shaft:

https://partsouq.com/en/search/all?q=4520335310

Later GX-Only Shaft:

https://partsouq.com/en/search/all?q=45203-60120

I have no idea why the 03-04 would have had this design, which would have been carried over into the later 4Runner and FJ, but changed for the GX. I will personally have to think a bit on if I use this shaft or try to source the correct GX shaft, which seems to be more expensive and hard to find.

I have been spraying this shaft with pb blaster for a few years and recently almost bought the older version by mistake. It might work but I’d rather spend a few extra bucks to be 100% correct. As I recall, the gx only version is about $330 new online and best I could find was $220 new off eBay. The older gx/4runner version was readily available for around $150 I think(eBay) so if it does work safely it will definitely be easier to find.

 

[Rednexus]

The older version was ~$130 on Partsouq but the newer is NA from them right now. I may eBay the NIB older version and use the profits to buy the newer one. Spraying the shaft in Kroil in preparation for R&R seemed to "fix" mine as well.

 

[Sixto Lezcano]

I am of the opinion Kroil fixes everything. Expensive but so awesome. As for partsouq, I haven’t used them for years, my experience was that prices are cheaper only until you factor in shipping, then pretty much same as other places. Super fast shipping and zero complaints, but Bell Lexus is just my preference for OEM.
Will do this job soon and hopefully it will go well. I have an air hammer for removal, but I’m still worried about messing up the steering wheel/alignment. The videos I’ve seen make it seem like it’s easy to screw up, and I’m a screw up.

 

[cmattina]

The older version was ~$130 on Partsouq but the newer is NA from them right now. I may eBay the NIB older version and use the profits to buy the newer one. Spraying the shaft in Kroil in preparation for R&R seemed to "fix" mine as well.

Did you end up buying the one ebay? i saw it and then it was sold!

 

[Rednexus]

Not yet, it's pretty far down my project list . Hopefully Partsouq will have them again by the time I actually need to swap it out.

 

[Rednexus]

FYI, I made another Partsouq order today for some other parts that were vastly cheaper than my local dealer, and happened to check up on the 2005+ shafts. They had exactly 1 in stock for $147 and I snagged it. I'll be eBayin'ing the old-style NIB shaft later on. So it appears this is something that can be found for <$200 with shipping.

 

[cmattina]

FYI, I made another Partsouq order today for some other parts that were vastly cheaper than my local dealer, and happened to check up on the 2005+ shafts. They had exactly 1 in stock for $147 and I snagged it. I'll be eBayin'ing the old-style NIB shaft later on. So it appears this is something that can be found for <$200 with shipping.

Ironically, I bought one the other day too from the site and it was their "last one".

 

[Sixto Lezcano]

Finally got around to replacing this shaft yesterday, I do have an air hammer and it was still a beast to remove, particularly from the rack. The top part(collar?) of the shaft was easy. I needed to do a ZPC today but otherwise it was relatively straightforward. Getting new shaft back into rack is also a hassle but nothing compared to getting it off. If you don’t have access to an air hammer you’d better be strong…

 

[MycoManiac]

Finally got around to replacing this shaft yesterday, I do have an air hammer and it was still a beast to remove, particularly from the rack. The top part(collar?) of the shaft was easy. I needed to do a ZPC today but otherwise it was relatively straightforward. Getting new shaft back into rack is also a hassle but nothing compared to getting it off. If you don’t have access to an air hammer you’d better be strong…

Just a bunch of rust?

I did this job a few weeks ago, and didn’t have to have any power tools. Was able to work it off both the upper shaft and the rack with relative ease and a crescent/hammer combo. And then I added some anti seize to prevent any issues down the line.

 

[Rednexus]

It also required an air hammer on my rig, when I removed the lower joint to replace the steering rack. A $13 HF air hammer has been a great little tool overall. I agree that the job is borderline impossible without the air hammer unless the rig has almost no rust.

 

[Sixto Lezcano]

Yeah, my gx has been in New England since new, rust is an issue. I doubt I could have ever gotten the shaft out without it.

 

[MycoManiac]

Ahh. Understandable.

My truck has spent its life in Texas so I’m always thankful when I see these things pop up. But I also love harbor freight. Give me a reason to buy a quality cheap pneumatic or electric tool and I’ll do it.

Glad you got it taken care of. I was curious about the difference between the 4r and gx on the intermediate 2 shaft. Helped answer that question.