Minor hesitation when shifting from 2-3

It sounds like a fun challenge and doesn't look to difficult besides the rust problems some people deal with. Do you have any recommendations for where I should look to buy the replacement rack and whatever else I need or should replace?

 

I replaced mine with a Detroit Axle reman a year and a half ago and it has been great. Came with inner tie rods for about $225. McGeorge has the Toyota OEM for $895

Here are links for 2004 Double Cab:

https://www.detroitaxle.com/part-fi...filters[vehicle_submodel]=Limited&product_id=

https://toyotaonlineparts.mcgeorget...-4WD/Rack-and-Pinion/63317395/442500C030.html

You might consider just topping off the fluid, until funds become available. I ran mine with a leak for years without issue.

 

I hope not, time will tell. OEM is always best, but I couldn't stomach $900. If I have to replace it again I would consider OEM or junkyard, but for $225, the Detroit Axle was worth a try for me. So far, so good, since 5/2020

 

The OEM for the access cab is luckily much cheaper than the double cab.

https://toyotaonlineparts.mcgeorget...SR-5/Rack-and-Pinion/63543839/442500C010.html

 

I got it back form the shop and they said the same thing. But I went under and looked around again and noticed that the fluid was actually a different color than the power steering fluid and it looks like the trans fluid was possibly leaking out of the dipstick and falling down onto the boot. I'll keep an eye on it over the next week to see what happens. You guys are Legends for all the good info and links.

 

Good catch! I'm gettin' screwed!

 

I love my DC, but some parts on it are insane!

 

many leaks start right around the hose lines coming into the steer fluid rez and there is a sneaky one just near lower and around the alternator.. some stainless steel worn clamps can fix them. the leaks follow the hose lines down to the rack and throw a false alarm. clean up the fluid and inspect all connections again. might just need ss clamps..

 

Huh. Yeah, I noticed the lower half of my rack boot on the driver side shows signs that something leaked there at one point. But there doesn't seem any active fluid there now. Super weird. Passenger side shows nothing.

 

If you haven't flushed the power steering system since ownership I would highly recommend doing so as the below method is fairly simple and effective.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywRzmvWVMqw
Another better video using the same method but on a 4Runner V6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TFbGsyHFT0