Steering rack, ball joints, etc

Hello. I recently took my truck to the alignment shop after I noticed uneven tread wear. This has taken me down a rabbit hole. The steering rack definitely needs new bushings. While taking tires off I noticed ball joints.

At this point I know it needs tires (on the way), bushings (on the way), and ball joints (need recommendations on brands). While looking at ball joint kits and videos I found I need to inspect the steering rack. I did and I have a tiny leak which I will insert images of both sides.




Should I replace the steering rack with the leaks I'm seeing? Also it's a 2wd w towing package. 140 k miles

At this point I'm doing a full front end suspension rebuild lol. If I'm doing a steering rack. What brand should I get?

Also need to do new brakes and rotors if anyone has a brand recommendation?
TYIA

 

hard to say on the rack, MOOG ball joints are pretty good or OEM dont get any chinese $10-15 a piece ones you will be replacing them in a year..... brakes and rotors I got powerstops on this truck

 

Makes sense. I'm looking at a trq rebuild kit from 1a auto right now. I think they'll be good.

 

Look up your vin number on that rack TSB or recall campaign, may save you some time and money, while you focus on other things.

 

I replaced the rack last year on my 07 CrewMax. Was actually less expensive at the dealer than anywhere else. Also replaced the upper and lower ball joints and tierods. The lower ball joints and tierods were MOOG, and the upper ball joint was from Rough Country which was specific to the upper A arm due to the lift.

 

what was your miles just curious, per factory spec i dont have any extra play atm with 131k on my 07

 

Not exactly sure, but probably around 270K kms. It started with a leaking rack, then I noticed the boots were torn on the ball joints, then just decided to replace everything. Also replaced the rusted out brake dust shields. It was a three week job. Lol!

 

oh nice ya im hoping to get a couple more years out of my hardware