Q: How do you remove and install the steering gear on 1996 through 2002 Toyota 4Runner?
A: Point the wheels straight ahead, raise the front of the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands while applying the parking brake. Place a drain pan under the Rack And Pinion, disconnect the power steering hose fittings, and cap the ends to prevent excessive fluid loss and contamination. Insert a screwdriver between the two halves of the U-joint plastic shield to pry them apart and pull out the shield. Mark the relationship of the intermediate shaft lower universal joint to the Rack And Pinion input shaft and remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt. Disconnect the Pitman arm from the relay rod. Support the Rack And Pinion and remove the mounting nuts/bolts, then lower the unit, separate the intermediate shaft from the Rack And Pinion input shaft, and remove the Rack And Pinion from the vehicle. Mark the relationship of the Pitman arm to the shaft for reinstallation, then remove the Pitman arm nut and washer, using a puller to take off the Pitman arm. Slide the Pitman arm onto the shaft, ensuring the marks are aligned, and install the washer and nut, tightening it to the specified torque. If the steering shaft turns while the Rack And Pinion is removed, take off the steering wheel and center the spiral cable. Raise the Rack And Pinion into position, connect the intermediate shaft while aligning the marks, and install the mounting bolts, washers, and nuts, tightening them to the specified torque. Install the intermediate shaft pinch bolt and tighten it, then install the plastic shield. Connect the power steering hose fittings to the Rack And Pinion and fill the power steering pump reservoir with the recommended fluid. Lower the vehicle and bleed the steering system. For Tacoma, 4Runner, and 2WD T100 models, disconnect the left and right tie-rod ends from the steering knuckles, and for 4Runner and 4WD Tacoma models, remove the engine under cover. On 4Runner models, remove the stabilizer bar. Mark the relationship of the intermediate shaft to the Rack And Pinion, remove the U-joint coupler pinch bolt, and disconnect the pressure and return lines from the Rack And Pinion. To detach the Rack And Pinion on 2WD T100 models, remove the two mounting bracket bolts on the right end and the single nut and through-bolt at the left end. For 2WD Tacoma models, remove the vertical mounting nuts and bolts from each end. For 4Runner and 4WD Tacoma models, remove the nut and bolt from the bracket on the right end and the single nut and through-bolt from the other end. Remove the Rack And Pinion assembly, and if the steering shaft turns while the Rack And Pinion is removed, take off the steering wheel and center the spiral cable. Installation is the reverse of removal, ensuring all Rack And Pinion fasteners are tightened to the specified torque, and bleed the power steering system when finished.