Prothane bushings for Manual steering rack

[SynthDesign]

In the process of swapping to a manual rack in my 85 T4WD, I was able to do a bit of comparison between other Toyota models.

Prothane's Poly manual rack mounts, part #18-702-BL, which are compatible with AW11 MR2s and AE86 Corollas also work in Al25 and Al21 Tercels. You can get them for less than $10, where as the factory Toyota replacements are over $35 at cost. They fit nice and tight, no play or binding. I won't have a chance to drive it for a bit but it looks very promising.

Installation is pretty straight forward after getting the rack out. Clean everything Very well. I recommend lubing the bushings inside and out with Prothane's Poly-grease. It'll keep the Poly bushings from chirping when they get covered in mud and gunk down the line. Wipe off excess after install and clean with rubbing alcohol. That stuff is sticky!

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[CMB]

Good info. I was thinking of making the swap to a manual rack at some point. Will be a learning process when I get there. Never really messed with steering system outside of replacing a PS pump and adjusting alignment. Is the gearing different in manual rack?

[SynthDesign]

Is the gearing different in manual rack?

Good question. I didn't really think of that. I'm pretty sure I can find a Quaife short ratio kit that would work in it reducing to 2.5 turns lock to lock.

Hardest problem I ran into was finding the proper universal joint to go along with my adjustable steering column. Problem solved using welder and a a piece of steel round tube and extending the shaft and utilizing an aw11 universal joint.