Toyota Tacoma BROKE AGAIN! | Steering Rack Install the "EASY WAY"

For the second time in under a year I will be replacing the flimsy steering rack on my 3rd Gen Tacoma. I'm hoping this one holds and it was just user error last time. But if not, I will be upgrading to a modified Tundra rack. So follow along as i show you how to install the steering rack on a 3rd gen Tacoma without pulling the motor.
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Maxx Powell P.O Box 163 Rochester Wa. 98579 .
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[@williamwaite4806]

Your friend is super cool for letting you use his shop. I hope you brought him some better beer than you did on the first day. That is a 1 case minimum, Sir

[@camilosanchez2475]

If you ever have to do this again, and probably will (stock rack won't hold well with 35s), quick tip. - You don't have to remove both inner tie rod ends, I've taken it out even with both still attached just like the new rack came in. If you really have to only take the drivers side off, slide rack to passenger side and take rack out towards the front. - use ATF - put a clamp on your passenger side axle boot, saw it was missing.

[@43lbcat]

I'm on my fifth Tacoma. I used to lift them, add bumpers and mods, but on my '16 I'm leaving it stock for the most part. Upgraded wheels/tires and that's about it. Maybe I'm just getting old, but these trucks are beasts when stock and I'm keeping it that way to reduce the headaches

[@gwpeoples]

Yep, add mods expect headaches.

[@pageba2010]

Was thinking of going Yota after 3 Jeeps, but this only scares me straight back to the Full Axle Camp. Clearly more reliable and can actually take work @@gwpeoples

[@mea01132001]

Not old, just wise

[@luispaniagua5145]

Hear ya man, once the grunting starts everytime you sit up is time to stay stock.

[@grindstone4910]

That oil filter makes me so glad to have a 2nd gen.

[@JohnAvantiBK]

The paper filter is to save the environment.

[@stanlo2002]

2nd gen ftw

[@grindstone4910]

Well I have a 3rd Gen, a 2020 Pro in Army Green. I fucken love it.

[@piratexlife]

I'm now convinced to keep my Taco 4x4 100% OEM...

[@gusthomas2423]

Yep, me too. My '16 TRD will stay as is, except for the KO2s I just put on ;)

[@MooseDitty17]

Shouldn't mess with perfection 😉

[@km_loop]

lame af

[@rcconnection4421]

The Tacoma has always been an awsome platform for building the ultimate offroader but if you're going to beef up something its wise to beef up everything connected to it and everything connected to that.

[@rcconnection4421]

@@MooseDitty17 yes perfection as in the perfect platform for an awesome build. Sadly the tacoma looks like an old man truck when stock. Even the TRD offroad. His problems began when he put on 35" tires and added another 45 lbs of rolling weight per corner which equates to almost 1000 lbs carry weight. I have over 15K in mods on my 18 trd offroad including suspension and drivelines running 33's and i have no issues whatsoever and I wheel the Sh!t out of it.

[@the-handy-fixer]

Looks like a blast! :] Glad you were able to get it fixed up and the part was under warranty!

[@Riccotorres86]

dude what a project! keep pushing out the content man, thanks for your service!

[@Coppersaguaro]

That should be Mike’s Harder Lemonade’s slogan. “It’ll get you weird!” 🤪

[@Fredyspaghetti]

impressed how far your youtube channel and videos have come even since this vid! love your channel

[@dyates6380]

Very impressive job man. Gorgeous truck.

[@drewfire7]

Fellow brethren from ATX here. Love wrenching on my Taco as well. Awesome videos man. Keep them coming!

[@MotoErgoSum]

Toyota probably puts the bolts in from the top because if the nuts come off the bottom the rack will at least be somewhat held in by the loose bolts rather than the bolts fall through the bottom and your rack is flopping around all over as you steer. This is why using proper torque specs is critically important when doing mods like this.

[@commbubba1990]

I think it's because all of these components are installed with the cab off the frame. If you look, a lot of the frame mounted bolts are all top down.

[@tbax]

That’s the general rule with aircraft. Bolt head goes up or forward.

[@DLAC000]

Great videos! Finally subscribed, keep the videos coming worth subscribing!

[@Fgonzalez0516]

You just gained my respect for doing your Work. Most KZbinr Tacoma guys don’t do their own work. Great job!

[@erictech201]

That’s true I’m a Toyota tech and we do everythingggg to lifts and re gearing lol

[@TheSeltenreich]

Great video, Mr. Maxx.

[@myronhensel]

Lol I did this to my 2016 4runner in December and it was a hell of a time. I did it differently, moving the a/c compressor off to the side a couple inches to move the long bolts. I also removed the pinion gear to slip it through one side. I like how you did it better though. Next time I’ll do it your way that is if I don’t sell the damn thing.

[@Grizzly-man69]

Love your truck Max!

[@bustabeatgeorge]

Great video max

[@dirtriderwr250r2]

Hey bud ...you are the original Tacoma Beast !

[@Ir0nMaidan]

Awesome video man, hope i never have to replace this on my taco!

[@thaneonyou]

good video on replacing a rack. the reason the rack is failing is Toyota racks dont have a built in steering stop they need the ball joint to hit the lower control arm to stop it over extending. when you lifted your truck you changed the angle and let the rack over extend and damage the seal. you can install steering stops to fix they make bolt on kits for this and weld on kits if you are handy with a welder i would recommend welding them on as the bolt ones tend to bend out of place. your diff is also not lowered witch may be causing your cv axles to fail.

[@Victory4x4]

We've bent some inners, but haven't broken the rack, yet... Good info on pulling it though. Toyota is also done warranting our shenanigans 😂

[@pheaktranuon8740]

Man your truck is amazing!!!!!

[@khimsophacarfixing]

That is a good work. I like it too much!

[@iamsam369]

I feel your pain, having a second gen taco with LT and 35’s. Seemed like i had more adventures when i was on a 2” spacer lift and 32’s.

[@benholden4585]

Great job! I like the animal carrier work table.

[@squint0241]

Good job Maxx 👍. Hate to see you spending so much time wrenching on a new truck repairing stock issues when it would be nicer if it were a custom mod instead 😁🤙.

[@chadalcock7275]

All part of having toys!

[@TexasAnglerTRD]

Great job max! Love watching your videos. I have a 2015 Tundra 7’ bds coil over lift kit. Would love to meet up with you something and take some awesome pics. #wishlist

[@jands0903]

On the cartridge filter drain it before you spin off the cap. makes for a much cleaner oil change .

[@venturedreams140]

Nice I see you put ur keys on the new key leash from outdoors company 😁

[@edgarralda5156]

“Yeah it will get you weird” lol

[@aaronstestlab]

Steering rack just started leaking on my 2019 TRDOR with just 31k miles. Totally stock. Only vehicle I've ever owned that had a problem prior to 100K.

[@DGETHIS01]

This also happened with my 08 ram 1500 steering after leveling with bilstein struts up front. It was on its 4th rack and pinion when i traded in

[@trevorthomas6043]

Solid axle upgrade

[@chriszawacki4092]

quick tip. for that filter, you take the cap off and some filters come with a pastic drain you snap in. less mess when you remove the filter housing. you can also use chanel locks to remove the housing cap.

[@gwot]

I would not use channel locks to remove the PLASTIC housing. I have the special tool, that has all the flutes and the cut outs for the fins and one of the fins broke last time I used it, the plastic is fragile. I'm gonna order an OEM aluminum one next time.

[@insaynbcr]

Good stuff Maxx. Time to get mamma a new(er) car.

[@ShadowxxPanda]

So I have a question. Are you using Power Steering fluid or ATF fluid? Because all of the Tacomas I've seen only use ATF fluid as that is the recommended fluid to use on their power steering or did that change with the 3rd Gen Tacos?

[@singletrackftw]

You mean to tell me you got issues after doing LT and 35’s and sending it on a mid sized truck? 😂 WHY MUST WE PAY SO HARD JUST TO PLAY SO HARD.

[@BuckingFastard]

Happened on my tundra with just a tiny spacer. Replaced the rack myself. It has to do with Toyota over extending their steering rack from the factory. Then when you lift it, it causes it to become way over extended, blowing seals. Rule #1 on a new Toyota... don’t turn the wheel to lock. Shit design from factory causes this and it’s known.

[@MartinM04]

Wut roof rack u have there?

[@emi123nem]

I ran 35 Nittos (heavy tire) on my 2012 Jeep sport and wheeled it In trails like John Bull - no issues at all. Need to trade in that tacoma lol

[@singletrackftw]

emi123nem well remember, a Jeep with solid axles and 35’s isn’t in any way comparable to a HEAVILY modified long travel tacoma with IFS and 35’s

[@pageba2010]

You're right.... A jeep is better. 38's on a stock OEM Dana 35's 26yrs old and still more reliable than this Japanese import@@singletrackftw

[@pr0n3]

"How long you been working on that?" (see's the kid) "A good FFFFFFFUUU...orty five minutes" ;)

[@rtomson]

That's a nice jack.

[@anthonyreddy2834]

Who makes your hood fastener/locks/push latches? Great video as always!

[@xDrGeek]

it gets you weird... perfect quote.

[@TwistingBitches]

I’m glad I have a first gen. This can be done in your driveway in a couple hours.

[@ArthurDoesThings8960]

Thumbs up for using a pet carrier as a quick work bench lol

[@myronhensel]

Is a stock tundra steering rack beefier and will it fit?

[@Blz1n]

Do you still have the video of your first steering rack replacement? I can no longer find it.

[@Krummin]

Remove the serpentine belt andtake the AC compressor loose to get the clearance for the driver's side bolt to clear the hole in the cross member.

[@skiff27]

Don't quite get the parts about cutting head off bolt . Can you use same method on stock. When I had gone to teck school they told me first thing to use socket and wrench on band or hose clamp . Did you have to use lock tight blue red . Lock tight on steering rack bolts. Good Vidio. Thank you.

[@pjrodriguez9755]

Can’t believe that took you 3 days...bro, I put gas in mine the other day did it in 2 days. Man up. Also I’m hammered, just Incase that joke falls flat

[@JohnAvantiBK]

In Union County NJ where the streets are off the moon, I am urban driving off-road every slamming potholes every day and @ 240K I have a minimal ware except a small leak in my RF Axel. I have my eye on a 3rd gen 2017 TACO it's not a TURD but I can always get a new hood and the 2WD Crew CAB Full bed are a bargain because I don't think I have ever really used the 4x4 on my 08 CB TRD :)

[@Lexusgx550]

Max have you film fluid your truck frame protect it from rust ?

[@rookwalker]

I’m my own mechanic as well, in your opinion, is it worth all the trouble to replace my rack bushings? Im getting movement from them.. what are your thoughts?

[@jdh10475]

I have the wrence/tool for the pinch clamps you took off. It gets the pinch clamps super tight, you should invest in one and ditch those screw clamps they will fail again.

[@Natschke_Family_Adventures]

All of the after market parts you have on your truck, you expect a stock steering rack to hold up? You need to upgrade as you have pretty much the rest of the truck.

[@Natschke_Family_Adventures]

Maxx Powell Yikes! Don't blame you then!

[@jaredbellard2777]

@@Maxx.Powell Will a Tundra rack work in a Tacoma? Just curious if they're even somewhat interchangeable.

[@JoeC92]

My rack is having issues where the inner tie rod connects and I have a 2"lift not long travel. I get what you're saying that if you mod it's too be expected but same time 2nd gens didn't fail this easy...

[@evilsandwaich107]

Does your skids get in the way of changing your oil?

[@pfdlegaspi1]

Im a Firefighter and a Tacoma owner too, good times! Im surprise because you run 35's you don't do a diff drop, any reasons why?

[@YANGNIMOG]

I had the same rack and pinion problem with my tundra. Changing it out is a bear 🐻.

[@TexaSteven]

Hey Max , a question for you, I just bought a 2018’ OR and just added a hood scope to ivy but my question has to deal with Tires and Wheel, I have a set of BFG KO 2 275/70/17 to go along with an sew set of SCS Ray 10’s but I’m only putting a cheap Autospring spacer lift till I can afford a BP-51 suspension or a Icon Stage 5 lift, so what I’m not sure is the tire set up. They have 265/70/17 BFG KM3 or 275/75/17 BFG KO2. Wasn’t sure which one will work better without doing a body-chop, any point of view that my be helpful. This is my favorite you tube channel

[@commbubba1990]

you can clear 265/70/17 on ray 10's just barely on stock OR suspension. taller or wider and you'll rub/hit. go with a 0 offset wheel and you'll have less clearance issues.

[@ws446]

If this sucker poops the bed again and your done messing with it, you should look into the MarRack, Thing looks pretty much bomb proof. BigMike has been putting his truck through some pretty hardcore stuff and it's holding up. Totally get that your riding the factory warranty though. Anyway! Love the videos, when are you putting those new shocks on?

[@iTrove]

Man, talk about embracing the suck. Good work on getting through that with just a few layers of skin lost in the effort.

[@cmhuggins29]

Don't lie it did not look like fun. Lol nice work!!!

[@JasonWh]

Guy at the parts desk at the dealership... Hey I need two of those bolts. "what bolts?" You know, two of THOSE bolts. "No I don't know what you mean". Maxx powell bolts. "WHA?"

[@thotsakanhlepkham9475]

nice job...

[@walhters]

Bro one Question did you take out the sway front bar?

[@RJB138]

Hey man was wondering if you could share what you used to cut off the rack and pinion mounting bolts I’m having a heck of a time tryna figure it out without just using a straight up hack saw with metal blade for an entire day? Thanks man.

[@Maxx.Powell]

Use a Sawzall with a Diablo blade

[@David-ry5il]

I have been watching Tacoma videos all week. waiting for a check to clear before buying a Tacoma now I am having pre buyers anxiety .. should I dump money into my 85 runner or get a new Tacoma - tend to keep my cars a long time until they all buy dead. or should I get a Dodge Ram. I know the Tacoma would be fun to drive but a full sized truck I can put a cab over camper on .. to many choices.

[@JoeC92]

Do you have any info on this Tundra swap. Can't find anything on it for 3rd Gen and from what I understand it's different from 2nd Gen

[@Azfrontier]

Yes same still looking for info on it too

[@negueba235689]

this is why we in Norway build are rigs on Arctic Truck... after the 38'' build it still have Toyota warranty . dont need to hide

[@calebkroger]

What rock sliders are you using?

[@carletos]

I also had to replace the steering rack on mine with 10,000 miles on it. I only have installed 285 tires and OME BP-51. Now I have the A/C blower issue.

[@frankrodriguez1063]

Carlos Correa If you are having problems with the blower not turning on or working only on high, replace the blower motor resistor. I have a 2012 Tacoma and the dealership replaced the blower$200+ and it still had issues. I went and replaced the resistor for $50 from autozone and it works fine. The resistor also has a lifetime warranty.

[@carletos]

Frank Rodriguez My issue with the blower is the fan that broke from the motor and makes noise. Last week Toyota sent a campaign from that since there a lot of 3rd gen Taco owners with that problem.

[@mychan3734]

Why did you have the problem the first time? Did it fail because of all the added strain from the long travel and 35’z ???

[@DevourererOFcupcakes]

What kind of exhaust is on your truck?

[@joshturner4741]

What brand and size are those tires. They look awesome, need them on my tacoma....thanks in advance

[@Maxx.Powell]

They are BFGoodrich Km3 Mud Terrains

[@darealist5412]

I'm subbed. Good content, well shot. Oh, and a smokin hot wife too lol

[@leanmarkus4246]

Well I have a 2007 Toyota Tacoma, and right now HAVE 450,000 miles and drive like new one!!! I never have problema whit the truck, bisade the main maintenance!!

[@TonkaFire2019]

thats how any car company does it. lol

[@jasonoaks4018]

I live in Arlington and would love to meet up with u guys for some wheelin,!

[@ericsweeney7027]

I looks like yo need an outer CV joint as well. At the very least a boot clamp. Great video though.

[@carlb0666]

How tall are you, I’m 6’4” and from what I’ve been reading a Tacoma is not good for tall people. I’ve been thinking of buying one but not sure of the seating position. Thanks!

[@carlb0666]

Thanks!

[@americanmilitiaman88]

Im 6 foot 2. Not bad.

[@Disturbed.S10]

I’m 6’4 as well. Coming from first gen s10s and s10 Blazers this 2017 TRD OffRoad DC is huge. I can’t drive with the seat all the way back either! Love the truck!!

[@rajsteint6487]

My steering rack is done now on 3rd gen Tacoma ( 3 inch lift with Kings and 33's) after 5 years. I took it in for the bigger service, when they go over the whole truck. They gave me estimates for $4,800CAD for steering rack (tie rods), PWR steering pump, rear diff oil change, front diff oil change, driver seat heater is toast (whole element), and a bunch of other stuff.... FML!!! I want something a bit stronger for the steering rack. Any suggestions???

[@Tn_Taco]

You can swap it out for a Land Cruiser or 2nd Gen tundra rack

[@jonybgoode1]

a quick tip...when you were removing the inner tie rod? with that long yellow tube extender, you might want to try a larger handle breaker bar,so you have more leverage than with that little ratchet...just saying....nice looking truck btw...

[@tallll70]

socket extender with long big enough socket to slide over original ratchet handle, lol...that's if you don't have no pipes or breaker bars layin around

[@BadV2]

You'll get good at this, due to suspension. No different than Rangers and Raptors with IFS. Weak link. Diggin' the videos man!

[@kameronleitzel8109]

dudes big as fuck struggling with this lol gives me confidence for myself

[@hmobvids]

Of course your modifications and tires are to blame! Looks cool, I get it, but if you change critical stock parts of course it's gonna break faster!

[@Wajjajagg]

Make sure to torq the nuts i failed to do that shit got loose from sending it & i caught it in time before it fell off 😂

[@erictech201]

To do this job properly you have to drop the front differential completely out of the vehicle :) I’m a Toyota tech and we do this probably twice a month. Anyways stay safe.

[@67wildwolf]

why didn't yeah take the tire off max?

[@armancha23]

hard deadpool, niice

[@kpd174]

Being a firefighter time restraints, gotta take a nap

[@henryle1552]

This is a lesson for some one lift a truck to hight and a tires to big, i just keep my Tacoma EOM so i don't have any problems.

[@ThatBeardedVeteran]

Not sure if these are available yet but check out MarRack from Marlin crawler (they have a youtube channel). It's a heavy duty steering rack they make to run 40's on a Tacoma!

[@Rhouzv]

Sucks you've had these issues!!! I ran a 6" trail master lift with 36"s on my 2.7 1st gen and in 300k miles the only issue with my steering I had was where the shop left the steering shaft extension out when they put the 3" body lift on. It caused it to strip the last 1" of steering shaft...dropped the aluminum extension in and away I went.

[@DMHal01]

I know this is an old video but…do by chance one what those two bolts are by part number? The ones you cut and flipped upside down.

[@karumban]

I have a 06 Tacoma and took it to Toyota they saw some grease on my boot and said I needed a new rack cost me about 3k to fix at toyota. I am sure they screwed me over cause they had it done in about 4 hours

[@ROFLgator1]

Sooo, did this problem have to do with the fact that your truck is lifted too? I want to lift my stock tacoma, but don't want major problems like this one.

[@mimikyuthepokemon3489]

ROFLgator it most likely happened from over filling his gas tank ! Too much weight

[@haroldbrown3452]

did it hold up?

[@Shadowdancer777]

Is that rust or just dirty?

[@marckruse2181]

Keep the Tacos stock is key. They don't like mods. Thing seems to be designed to get buy with stock settings. Good luck Maxx

[@Maxx.Powell]

Yeah but it is really enjoyable building the truck and pushing its limits. Honestly you just have to pay to play

[@willandrews9741]

I thought they were huge energy drinks. Glad it was alcohol instead, those energy drinks seem to be killing people. Nice truck. I'm lazy, do you have a vid where u go over the whole build?

[@ThatManitobaGuy]

You know why you lift the motor because it's easier. Just undo both motor mounts and put a trans jack under it. Makes life a lot easier and you don't have to take the boots off the new rack.