n00b questions regarding working on sw20 mr2

[KalamityMR2]

Hi,

about to purchase an sw20. I have a rather extensive background working on BMWs, but this will be my first toyota.

1) how difficult is an inner tie rod (rack) end? Can you buy just the end or am I up for a new rack? Any tips on doing the work?

2) Anyone recommend good places to buy parts in Auckland, or even better Whangarei or further north - both new and secondhand? I get a good discount on BMW parts from various secondhand dealers and Euor-Italian carparts in Albany, but unfortunately none of them do Toyota.

3) What do people find the easiest way to do motor work? Can you remove enough panels to get access, or is it a motor-out exercise every time?? In the first instance I want to do a full service of all fluids as well as rocker cover and sump gaskets.

Thanks in advance. hope to be less of a n00b pretty soon once I've had a few hours under the old girl.

[solitaire]

Hiya!

Im No expert... but

1. you can get tie rod ends from http://www.twosrus.com

2. Parts wise, are you talking after market or second hand? there is always someone wrecking an mr2 on trademe. We have a couple of toyspeed sponsors that sellaftermarket parts and we get pretty good prices on toyota genuine parts through our sponsor Manwatu Toyota.

3. What level of motor work are you doing? Anything that involves taking the cambelt off is generally considered to be engine out... the general consensus from people seems to be that working on the engine is a pita. BUT - its mid engined which is tremendous fun.

[lucasthefallen]

cambelt can be done in car no drama's, w/pump is a PINA w/ aircon, but without its not much of a major either. just takes time, be patient and its all good.

[solitaire]

cambelt can be done in car no drama's, w/pump is a PINA w/ aircon, but without its not much of a major either. just takes time, be patient and its all good.

Your hands must be smaller than mine

[fivebob]

Rack ends are cheap enough from Toyota. You need a slim 28mm(?) spanner to remove them. I just ground he jaws down on a Powerbuilt one as I couldn't find one that was slim enough that didn't cost more than $100.

You might be able do it without taking the rack off the car, but I just removed the rack because I was replacing all the rack & rod ends and it looked like a major PITA to do it in place. If you remove the rack you'll have to replace the expen$ive EHPS fluid