Lexus Es300 rack in an Avalon

[tzagi]

Just wanted to share an interesting mod,
The wifes 98 Avalon had a leaky rack, as I was looking for a replacement I found a rebuilt one for a mid 90's es for $35, being a cheap (read: poor) bastard I took it,
Now, in case you are unaware of the difference between the two, the Lexus is electronically controlled, it has a valve that is speed operated (via a module) that changes the resistance according to the speed, to me it spelled: you can finally get rid of that finger tip steering that brings up memories of that 74 Olds.....
Anyway,
replacing the rack is a major pita, a VERY filthy job, specially when it been leaking, the biggest pain is reinstalling the steering coupler, in my case I ended up completely undoing the steering column to get it back in.
After it was installed (with the valve wiring left off) it works fine with a very positive feel, however, the steering is quite hard(compared to that 74 Olds), I was thinking about sourcing the module off the ES (looks like a simple install, only 5 wires) but ......
I found a old dash light rheostat (off A 70's Toyota) in my electrical box and went playing,
I hooked it to the valve using jumper wires......and YEPPPP....it works
turn it left, the steering is hard, turn it right, the steering goes soft, called the wife for an inspection, asked her what she thinks......and I got the usual response: I dont give a crap, just leave it alone!

meanwhile I noticed that my rheostat is getting hot, oops, too many amps
back to the electrical box for more goodies,
Found an Ignition ballast off a Datsun from the late 70's....
Works great!......just hooked it to an accessory circuit , got a good steering feel and its not too soft, much easier to turn then before.

All in all, If you need a new rack, you might want to upgrade to the Lexus rack, the cost is negligible and the car feels 100 times better (read: you loose that 74 Olds feeling).