replacing steering rack...89 S2
 

Is changing the steering rack on an 89 S2 as straight forward as the instructions Pelican gives [they use a 951 I believe].

Going to be doing this on jack stands in the garage.

Any other tips?

Changing the rack is very straight forward. Some tips i can think of;

-The hardest part can potentially be loosening the banjo bolt for the return line. Most times the allen head will strip. Ive always had luck using a pair of vice grips on the head. Get replacement hex head banjo bolts from Rennbay. I usually disconnect the pressure hose at the pump, take it off the rack when its off the car.

-Remove the pinch bolt completely on the steering shaft or it wont come off the input shaft of the rack. Tap a small chisel inbetween the pinch on the steering shaft and it will slide right off the splines on the rack.

-Use a tie rod removal tool for the tie rod ends... ive had good luck using the inexpensive ones from local auto stores. You can use a pickle fork also but it will probably destroy the boots.

-Removing the tie rods from the rack can be difficult, Harbor Freight makes a tie rod removal tool that works really well.

https://i.imgur.com/7xCXpzG.jpg

Thanks. I don't think the pelican DIY even mentions unbolting the ball joints.

I got a rebuilt duralast unit. Can I swap the ball joints from the old unit over to the new tie rods or do I need the old tie rods as well?