Steering rack replacement questions.

[chris91LX]

Ok I have the four main bolts out, the two in the center of the rack and the two on the outside, the tie-rods? I had to come in because I was being eaten alive by mosquitos. My questions are:

1. Do I just pound or pry the old rack out now that I have the four main bolts off, or are there some I'm not seeing?
2. Will the shaft that fits into the steering column that runs up past the headers just slide out, or is there a pin or something I have to take out?
3. Do I remove the power steering lines before I remove the rack or will they come out with the rack and make removal more simple?

Any tips or hints on making the replacement go easier would be appreciated. TIA

Chris

[Mustang_289]

There are two bolts holding the shaft to steering linkage. You can leave the power steering lines on till you break the rack out. Kind of tough to get to especially if you've got long-tube headers.

Once you've got all the bolts out - pound away and the rack will come right out. While you've got the rack out, I would suggest replacing your tie-rod-ends. If you do - unscrew the old ones from the rack and count the turns for both sides. Take the new ones and screw on the exact same number of turns and you'll get your alignment pretty much where it was.

[joe4speed]

I had the hardest time getting the rack off as well... good luck, it just takes alot of patience I guess!!! The hardest was unbolting the linkage for me. P.I.T.A.