Used Volkswagen Taro Track Rod

Yes, the Volkswagen Taro is a pickup truck produced from 1989 to 1997 as a rebadged Toyota HiLux, and like the HiLux it uses a conventional front suspension setup with track rods as part of the steering linkage, so the part genuinely exists on this model. All variants, whether two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, used a track rod arrangement, though the geometry and components can differ between 2WD and 4WD versions. When searching for a used part, make sure you specify your drivetrain to the breaker.

The Volkswagen Taro ran from 1989 to 1997 as a single generation, but as a Toyota HiLux derivative it went through a mid-life update around 1992–1993 that could affect steering and suspension components including the track rod. You should not assume a pre-1993 track rod is a straight swap for a post-1993 car without checking, so quote your exact registration to the breaker and ask them to confirm against it. This is one of those boundaries where the safest approach is to have the breaker verify part numbers before you buy.

For the Taro, engine size can be a relevant factor because the larger-engined variants, particularly the 2.4-litre diesel and petrol options, may have been paired with different axle and suspension specifications compared to smaller engines, and this can affect steering component dimensions. It is worth telling the breaker your exact engine size and drivetrain alongside your registration so they can match the correct part. Never assume all Taro track rods are identical across engine variants.

Yes, this is one of the most important factors to confirm, as the 2WD and 4WD versions of the Taro have different front suspension and steering arrangements, meaning the track rod geometry and length are likely to differ between them. Always tell the breaker clearly whether your vehicle is two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive when requesting a quote. Fitting a track rod from the wrong drivetrain variant could result in incorrect steering geometry and would be unsafe.

Trim level does not affect track rod fitment on the Taro — the steering components are determined by drivetrain layout and engine specification, not by the trim or equipment level of the vehicle. You may find cosmetic differences between vehicles from different trim grades, but the track rod itself is a mechanical steering component unaffected by those distinctions. Focus your search on matching drivetrain, engine size, and model year rather than trim.

On many vehicles the track rod is a single central component, but the Taro's steering setup includes separate track rod ends on the nearside and offside, so if you are replacing just a track rod end rather than the full assembly you will need to specify NS (nearside, left) or OS (offside, right) when contacting the breaker. If you are replacing the complete track rod assembly, confirm with the breaker exactly which components are included in what they are selling. Getting the correct side is essential for safe steering geometry.