Parts for your 1985 Suzuki Jimny-Rack boots

1985 Suzuki Jimny Rack Boots — Not Used

For the 1985 Suzuki Jimny (SJ410/SJ413 era — also known as Sierra in Australia), “rack-boots” aren’t a thing. This model doesn’t run a rack-and-pinion steering system, so there’s no steering rack and no rack bellows/boots to service. Instead, it uses a worm-and-roller/recirculating-ball steering box with a pitman arm, relay rod (centre link), drag link and tie rod ends. Technical references that confirm this include the Suzuki SJ410/SJ413 Factory Service Manual (Chassis/Steering), the Suzuki Electronic Parts Catalogue for SJ410/SJ413 (steering section), and the Haynes Suzuki SJ410 & SJ413 1982–1994 manual — all of which show a steering box and linkage, not a rack, and therefore list no rack boots.

Why no rack-boots on a 1985 Jimny? The solid front axle and leaf-spring layout leave limited room for a steering rack, and Suzuki opted for a robust steering box and linkages that handle off-road knocks better. That setup also suits the Jimny’s ground clearance and articulation needs, especially across Aussie and Kiwi tracks where durability matters.

What should owners look after instead of rack-boots? The important rubber bits on these trucks are the dust boots over the steering link joints. If they tear or perish, grit and water get in, grease gets out, and the joints wear fast, potentially causing play in the wheel and a WOF/roadworthy fail.

• Tie rod end dust boots (both sides)
• Drag link end dust boots and the relay rod/centre link joints
• Check the steering box for free play and leaks at the sector shaft seal

Inspection tips: give the boots a look at every service or after mud and water crossings, replace any that are cracked, split, or weeping grease. If the joints have grease nipples, give them a pump with quality chassis grease. After replacing tie rod or drag link ends, get a wheel alignment so it tracks straight and looks after the tyres.

Heard of a Jimny with “rack-boots”? That’ll be a mislabel or a one-off custom rack-and-pinion conversion. Those are uncommon and would need proper engineering and certification (LVVTA in NZ, state-based in AU). For a stock 1985 Jimny, rack-boots simply don’t apply.

Popular questions about 1985 Suzuki Jimny rack-boots

Does a 1985 Suzuki Jimny have rack-boots?
No. The 1985 Jimny (SJ410/SJ413/Sierra) uses a steering box with linkages, not a rack-and-pinion. Because there’s no steering rack, there are no rack-boots to replace or service.

What steering boots should be checked on a 1985 Jimny instead of rack-boots?
Check the dust boots on the tie rod ends, drag link ends and relay rod joints. If any boot is cracked or torn, replace it promptly and regrease the joint (if it’s serviceable) to prevent premature wear and sloppy steering.

Can a 1985 Jimny be converted to rack-and-pinion so rack-boots are used?
It’s possible as a custom job, but it’s uncommon due to packaging around the solid axle and the need for certification (e.g., LVVTA in NZ or engineering sign-off in AU). If converted, universal rack bellows would then apply — but for a stock Jimny, they’re not relevant.