Front end parts help

Getting ready to do a refurb on my 2000 4x4 Tundra, and would love any extra parts suggestions before I get this thing apart. A good example would be 8 new bolts for the LBJ's that everyone suggests. Going to do this all at once- Replace OEM steering rack, tie rod ends, sway bar end links and bushings, OEM LBJ's, OEM axle reboot kit, 4 KYB shocks, 1/2 lift spacer passenger front, 1 inch lift spacer driver. Everything is OEM other than the shocks and the sway bar stuff. here is what I bought for the sway bar:

$22 MOOG K90681 Suspension Stabilizer Bar Link for Toyota Tundra

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V528JU?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

$18 MOOG K90526 Suspension Stabilizer Bar Bushing Kit for Toyota Camry

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HPS4WO?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

 

I used nickel anti-seize for those alignment bolts....

https://www.grainger.com/product/LOCTITE-Nuclear-Grade-Anti-Seize-5XB46

 

Why are you replacing the steering rack? I might be interested in it for crackie if it's still "good."

Luke @Jack McCarthy said. I used nickel based also except permatex brand. Let's not start a "which oil do you use?" Fight over some anti-sieze.

$10 Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize Lubricant With Brush Top Bottle Prevents Galling, Corrosion, Seizing, Refined Blend Aluminum, Copper, And Graphite Lubricants For Spark Plugs 8 oz

Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize Lubricant with Brush Top Bottle, 8 oz.

Wouldn't be a bad idea to pick up some Diablo thick metal blades, and a Sawzall incase you have to cut the old arms out.

 

I'd go bilstein shocks instead of the KYB, not much more but a better ride. If you're staying stock height you can use the bilstein 4600.

 

Building this truck for my dad, if it was for me I would have gone 5100's. My understanding was the Kyb's give the best on road ride.

@Jack McCarthy Awesome, have some on hand so gtg.

@Tundra2 The truck has not leaked any fluid on the driveway with the skid plate off for the last month. I believe the rack is still in good shape and just needs bushings honestly. I got a new OEM complete assembly shipped for $300 thanks to this forum. I will inspect it and take some pictures for you when I pull it. If you want it I will ship it to you free of charge using my business account (great rates and doesn't cost me much). The stealership noted play, but feels insignificant to me. Toyota book says replace and they don't do just the bushings.

 

How did I miss that? Where was this or was it a dealer sale/closeout?

 

I was going to have toyota do the bushings on crackie, but they said no because of the "risk of breaking your steering rack." We will figure it out as we get closer to your job being complete. I am in no rush for it. The one currently on crackie is not OEM. It has sine kind of bastard sticker on it.

Regarding the bushings... I have poly bushings in the V6 and I hate them. Steering is way too sensitive for my taste. Could be an alignment issue too, but I haven't had it realigned. Pretty sure the last shop did a toe-n-go.

Might not be a bad idea to have one on a shelf at that price considering that it should fit either of my trucks.

 

Serra toyota in Decatur had 20% off and free shipping for a short time. I cannot remember who it was that notified us on the lunch table thread, but I thanked them! I had a bunch of stuff to order, saved hundreds!

 

Guilty. No tax at Serra, 20% off, free shipping on orders over $75 I think.

 

I replaced a couple of the bushings in my 100 series, and it completely fixed my problem. Just used whatever advanced auto had if I remember correctly. That was 50k miles ago and it is still running its original rack. I also might mention the Cruisers rack really needed some help compared to my Tundra, leaked pretty good and bumps or contours in the road would steer it whatever direction it wanted

 

@shifty` for the win!

 

They aren’t going to ride good with a spacer on top of the struts.

 

The KYB's? Or the 4600s? Any recommendations on spacer size, brand?

Actually hell, while we're talking about it, @abcinv you said you're running spacers up front too, eh?

 

I think the steering does get more sensitive now that you say it. I do like my poly bushings though. Maybe not for everyone, I like the more feedback. Not the same as "rough ride" just tells me what it's feeling.

 

The general consensus is that if you need a lift up front/are thinking about spacers , get the adjustable 5100’s

Spacers on top of struts, do not add positive things to the ride regardless of the strut type

That’s what I meant

Now regarding the subject of poly steering rack bushings…some people like them,some don’t. I had them on my 1st Gen and the handling wasn’t as crisp and the feeling was mushy compared to stock black ones

 

@SouthWestGA I have three of these https://www.1stgenoffroad.com/store/p1068/1stGenOffRoad.comStrutSpacer.html#/

I could just do one on the driver side to help correct the Toyota lean some. I didn't think one inch on one side and half an inch on the other would make much of a difference on the ride quality.

As far as the KYB, they are made in Japan and a quality shock. PHM reported the KYB's were smoove as a Cadi, and similar to the stock ride. I was going to use the 4600's, but they were not in stock at the time I ordered. I'll report back with how dog shite the ride is either way

 

You should be fine. I was generally referring to a real spacer lift, not the lean correction like you have explained. I had actual spacers on my 06 and took them out I hated them so much.

I actually think the KYB are under rated as a budget based replacement. I have used them on several Yota and Honda’s with great success. In fact I have them on my 07 tundra right now.

It appears you’re on the right track

 

@SouthWestGA That's awesome news! You had me rethinking my life plan for a second.

@shifty` Back on the subject of your Toyota parts suggestion, Serra is great to work with. Emailed EricF some sketch pictures of a couple of bolts I need and asked him about some random parts I couldn't figure out. He emailed me back in like ten minutes. I'm going with Serra from now on

 

Yeah, they're almost always on it, but it seems during the year-end they got swamped and were having slower turnaround on stuff. @FirstGenVol ordered a bunch of brake stuff from them, had some issues with their communication, so they're definitely not perfect. I also waited an extra 3-4 days longer than normal for my stuff I ordered just before that deal kicked in. But I think, for stuff I don't need right now, I'm sticking with them. The no-tax part, and almost always having free shipping, always puts them ahead of my local dealer. When they have the short windows with 10% and 20% off on parts, it's a no-brainer. Sometimes it's only for a weekend, and they don't announce it ahead of time, not that I've seen at least.

 

Still gets me that they told you this. They didn't even mention that being a problem on mine. They just did it with no issue then 5 months later they think they'll break your rack and they wouldn't do it.


I went OE style bushings (dont recall brand) on mine made a huge difference compared to the worn out ones I had.

 

I am running spacers on my concrete queen, have been for years. Every other piece of suspension is original. I did move to the high angle boots and all has been great since.
I know spacers aren't sexy and I may move to an adjustable setup when my suspension wears out but until then I couldn't be happier. Folks talk about a rough ride on spacers but mine is good, no complaints.

 

Did you adjust for lean on yours? How many, what size on each, if you don't mind me asking?

I wouldn't want to use the silver ones linked, I think black would look better, but that's just my OCD anal retentiveness talking

 

Haha, that's funny. I plan on spraying mine black for the same reason. They sell some on eBay made out of some sort of plastic that are cheaper and come black already. I doubt it matters, but I was nervous to go that route. @abcinv mentions some talking about a rough spacer ride. Funny thing is I have heard many complain of a rough ride with Bilsteins. I can tell you a first gen taco with stock suspension swapped to billie's was rough in comparison.

 

I've definitely seen and heard several reports of a rougher ride with the 51xx and 61xx Billys.

 

I've never ever noticed a lean on my truck. Of course now I'll spend hours walking back and forth, left and right...

 

As have I. And if I don't need the performance, just looking to reduce the rake (and fit my 275/70's) then why go that route other than bragging rights.

I believe the Bilsteins have their place and it probably is the way to go but for me I'll ride out the spacers for a while. Probably means I get kicked out of the cool club...wait, I'm in the cool club...right?!?

 

I mean, if you have to ask.....

 

Wanted to add the OEM LBJ bolts needed to this thread for anyone using it in the future: 9008010066 is the Toyota Part number and you need 4 for each side so 8 total. Plan on adding some pictures and info on the install when I do it.

 

So here is a list of the parts I used for my front end/steering rebuild:

KYB front stuts: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=503804&cc=1357938&pt=7584&jsn=437
KYB rear shocks: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=503697&cc=1357938&pt=7556&jsn=418
3/4 inch top hat spacer on drivers, 1/2 inch on passenger side: Longer top hat studs: OEM Toyota upper and lower ball joints
Moog end links: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1832184&cc=1357938&pt=7580&jsn=466
OEM Toyota steering rack and bushing
OEM Toyota outer Tie rods
PS return hose: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=7659224&cc=1357938&pt=7324&jsn=485
PS res to pump hose: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=10039492&cc=1357938&pt=7323&jsn=491
Axle kit- I planned on rebooting the originals, but in Aggie form I ordered one kit and didn't realize it was only for one side. Had to call an audible and just put some brand new cardone's in for about $50 each. I will keep the original's and rebuild them when the time comes.

I planned on having the PS high pressure line rebuilt locally, but it looked to be in good condition and won't be hard to get to if it ever needs done.

 

Some suggestions-
-Soak everything in kroil or pb blaster a week ahead of time, especially the steering intermediate shaft




-Buy new top hat studs even if you don't plan on using a spacer. About half of them broke while removing:


Do not buy the cheap press kit off eBay for Honda's, it doesn't work. Either fight a free rental or buy the expensive one.

Remove the entire spindle to press the upper ball joints in and out. I used a vise as well as the press. Be sure to remove the Snap ring before trying to press it out:





-The steering shaft only fits on the rack splines one way, the flat part goes into the expandable joint part of the shaft.

-The funny looking nut facing down on the steering rack is welded on, do not hit it with an impact like I did.