Rack and Pinion failure from leveling kits?

So I read this article that states there's a correlation between leveling & lift kits and rack and pinion failure: 2009-2012 Toyota Tundra Steering Rack Failures Related to Lift Kits | Tundra Headquarters Blog

My 2007 4wd has a 3" leveling kit, diff drop, and 275/65/20 tires, which is how I bought it (with no idea of how long it's been like that) so the article definitely caught my attention.

I've seen enough lifted Tundras that I can't imagine the failure rate is as high as being reported, but I would like to hear from actual Tundra owners to find out what the truth really is on this.

What have you all experienced? Anyone actually remove their lift or leveling kit because of repeated rack failure?

 

According to the article: Toyota states: “Some 2009-2012 Tundra vehicles may exhibit a condition where the Steering Rack shows evidence of leakage at the bellows (boots). This may occur on non-modified, original equipment vehicles as well as modified (lifted) vehicles.”

I don't see where it says lift kits alone are causing the problem. The article clearly says that it occurs on non modified and modified vehicles.

 

True, but the comments section of the article seems filled with people sharing their experiences reflecting the accuracy of the claims.

 

A leveling kit itself isn't going to cause any problems with your steering rack. Especially if you have a diff drop installed also.

Your three major contributors to steering rack failures (other than a collision) are the following and in this order:
1. Regularly holding your steering wheel at full lock when turning.
2. Turning (steering) your wheels against a solid obstruction beside your front tires.
3. Over-size tires.

You could include offroading on this list if you wanted, but technically those stresses are covered in #1 and #2. If you avoid #1 and #2 then #3 isn't a serious issue.

 

Some of the coal mines (strip mine) I’ve done work for used Tundras for a while. They were all in stock form but many had issues with the rack and pinions. To the point that they mostly went away from the Tundra in their applications. They’re just not made to handling the muck and slurry I guess.

 

Always make sure your rolling while turning the wheel. As in, get moving before you turn your steering wheel even if it’s 1 MPH! It removes a ton of stress on your rack. When I back out of my driveway and then stop to go forward I always make sure I am rolling again before I start to turn my wheels. Sitting still a turning is twice as hard on the rack

 

Theres a new Recall on some of the rack and pinions for selected part#s due to a flaw in design or build that causes the leak.