Tie rod question

What's up everyone?
I just installed inner and outer tie rod ends, upper and lower ball joints, rack bushings lca bushings. I counted the threads on my tie rods but when i installed the new ones to get it in alignment my right outer tie rod is threaded almost all the way in and my left outer tie rod is threaded almost all the way out. It was not like this before but the truck pulled right until I did this. Now that it drives straight my steering is sloppy and it was not before.

My question is:
Would a bad steering rack cause this to happen?

Its a 2002 limited with a 3" lift and 33's on it if that helps. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

 

What parts did you buy? link? Part Numbers? Did you get TOYOTA parts or aftermarket?

You didn't install the same outer tie rod on both sides, did you? The left side is not the same part as the right side. The inner is the same on both sides.

Did you verify all new parts were exactly the same length as the originals?

When I priced inner tie rods and bushings from Toyota, it was like 2/3 the cost of the rack from them, so I just got the whole rack and got the outer tie rods. Haven't replaced it yet. Been waiting for cooler temps.

 

I replaced everything with a kit from detroit diesel. It came with all parts I replaced except for the rack bushings which were energy bushings. The outer tie rods were labeled left and right and I double checked I put them on the correct sides.

I'm not at all happy with the detroit diesel kit I bought. I forgot to mention it came with upper and lower ball joints and sway bar links. The links and the ball joints were complete garbage and I replaced those with oem. The sway bar links striped when I torqued them to the spec of 19 inch pounds. Lesson learned there and I will never buy cheap parts again.

I did make sure everything was the same when I installed everything. I had a really hard time pressing the upper ball joints in while the oem ones pressed in with no problems.
Honestly I wish I had bought and oem rack like you did. I'm thinking I need a rack anyway since mine has almost 200k on it.

I don't understand how the internals of these racks work. I'm wondering if I could have screwed up by pushing one side of the rack in too much when I installed my inner tie rods in turn pushing the other side out. These racks are like the camber bolts to me. I just can't wrap my head around how they work.

 

Is your steering wheel off center now?

How did you verify wheel alignment?

Did you disconnect the steering column shaft from the rack at any point?

Since you say your steering is sloppy, I'm thinking you're out of alignment still.

Either that, or the new inner and outer tie rod joints are garbage and sloppier than the old parts!

 

My steering wheel is straight and I did the alignment myself but need to have it done by a shop. I have a $100.00 alignment kit I use. I never disconnected the steering shaft.

When I went to the shop for alignment they said the camber bolts are frozen. Since then with some pb blaster and 3in1 oil I got them to turn. I'm going to bring it back thursday or friday.

I'm leaning towards what you said about them being garbage. I think the entire detroit axle kit I installed is garbage. I've already replaced the upper ball joints and sway bar links of that kit. I think I'm going to take your suggestion of getting the oem rack with tie rods. I had a friend turn the wheel when I was under it and the rack was making a little noise and. Slight click when the wheels were turning to the right. Need a little more cash before I order the rack though. Im also looking at some new upper control arms. Thinking spd because I like the way the ball joints are setup.

I will never buy the cheap, crap Amazon parts again. Thanks for the input. I really appreciate it.

 

Steering Tie Rod End (Left) 4504739215 1 $61.32
Steering Tie Rod End (Right) 4504639335 1 $61.32
Steering Gear (rack) 4425035042 1 $506.18
Grommet, Steering Rack Housing, No. 2 4551735010 1 $28.47

These are what I bought for my 2002 SR5 4x4 from McGeorge Toyota online parts. Should be the same for you but always double check. I always give them my VIN and they double check the parts for me.

I got the rack because TOYOTA wants $166 PER SIDE for the inner tie rod (45503-39075). $332 total. That doesn't include any of the boots and clamps you will need to replace not to mention you get new bushings pressed in the rack.

My opinion is that for dollar per mile, TOYOTA parts are the CHEAPEST parts.