Any steering system replacement tips

New to community, recently started doing my Toyota research. I recently took ownership of my dads old white 2000 1st gen sr5 2wd. Single-family owned, my Dad racked up 350,000 miles on it (mostly highway) as he mainly used it for work commute. The truck has sentimental value being the same the same vehicle my Mother drove me to elementary school in when I was a kid in the early 2000s. Fast-forward 20 years and and I’m planning on tuning it up to get another 100,000.

Oils been changed every 3-5k, wondering when an engine rebuild might be necessary.

Done:

- front brakes
-timing belt/water pump

To replace:

• power steering system (leaking rack/reservoir)
• Brake booster/master cylinder
• exhaust manifold
• coils, spark plugs, filter changes

Any advice on replacing front steering rack/power steering system or any of the jobs above?
I’m planning on replacing steering rack, pump, reservoir and hoses

To address:

Horrible squeak coming from rear.

Not sure if it’s rear brakes or bearings, I’ve just heard replacing the bearings can be a tough job.

Just getting into being my own mechanic any advice is welcome thanks.

 

I replaced the steering rack in my old 1st gen

I do not recommend the red poly rack bushings,they and made the steering feel loose

I used the standard black rack bushings and things got tightened up considerably

I also recommend using an OEM rack versus a reman off brand

The one I put in was a Detroit Axle Reman and it had several issues which required another rack in the end

@Professional Hand Model can tell you about rear axles and seals

 

My rack has been leaking for 40k miles and the fluid level never drops so until then it is staying.

Whats this squeak sound like?

 

Your engine may need to be rebuilt..... never? there are several 1 million mile 4.7's running around. Great engine when properly maintained. Unless it takes a dump, just keep it happy with fresh consumables. Oil, plugs, filters etc. Oh, and change that timing belt when it's time. Every 90k miles.
My steering rack leaked a little, then quit after I added some Lucas steering juice to it. Yours may be farther gone though. I believe the 2wd is easier to replace since it doesn't have all the extra 4WD hardware up there.
Manifolds are tough. Doable, but make sure your studied up on the latest curse words and wear gloves.
Lots of threads in here detailing how to replace or maintain all of these systems.
Common causes of squeaking in the rear are shock mounts, brakes and tailgate latch mechanism cover panel. I wouldn't think the bearings would squeak as they are constantly bathed in gear oil.
Browse around here and gain lots of good info, welcome aboard and keep us updated with your progress!