Symptoms
Excessive play or backlash at the wheel after tie rods and the center arm have been checked, or fluid weeping from a factory power-steering box.
The fix, step by step
- On 1979–84 trucks with factory power steering, rebuild the box with fresh seals and O-rings, replacing any worn internals.
- Manual-steering trucks often get a GM Saginaw power-steering conversion.
- Cruiser Corps recommends reading the full procedure first and having a qualified technician install it.
Tools & part numbers
- Pitman arm puller
- seal kit 520-139 (1979–10/1984 FJ40/45) or conversion kit 524-117
Where to buy the parts
Power steering gear seal kit, FJ40/45 1979–84Cruiser Corps ↗Amazon ↗
Power steering conversion kit (GM Saginaw), FJ40/45 1958–84Cruiser Corps ↗Amazon ↗
Center arm rebuild kit (Japanese), FJ40/45/55 1969–84Cruiser Corps ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.