How hard is it to replace a rack and pinion?

[rock13979]

Ok I believe I need to replace my rack on my 96 explorer. Im kind of handy when it comes to repairing.
How hard do you think it will be for me to do it myself or is this something a shop should handle? Also any tips or instructions would be great! I have the chilton manual but I don't see nothing about installing a rack.
Thanks in advance
Rock

 

[oso_polar]

STOP!!!!

You're just about in time to save your money!!

Use that money to do a solid axle swap! well that's in case that you do some hard wheeling... Take a look at Lizardtrak's thread...

If not, I can't help you, I really don't know how hard it is, I think it will be more tricky and a more than 2 6 packs work....

 

[Jefe]

TTT

Anybody done this? I've gotta replace my inner tie rod ends and it looks as if the rack and pinion has to come out to do so.

 

[topo4u2]

Hey Jefe,
I am almost sure the rack does not have to come out to do inners but I know in most manuals it says so. I changed a ton of inner sockets and all I used was a special tool or even a pipe wrench can work. It will just spin off. Some people may not like that approach because of the small pin that holds it from coming off. We just unthreaded it and it busted the pin. Never ever hurt the threads.

 

[Jefe]

I can see how you could get to the socket once the boot was removed. But how are you soppose to remove the boot when you can't even see the clamp on the large side (its hidden in the crossmember).

 

[topo4u2]

Hi Jefe,
To be honest with you I have not even looked at my own X to give you an answer on that one. I remember the older ones it was a fairly visible clamp that was just got off and a nylon tie was put in its place. I will try and remember to take a look tomorrow.

 

[Mbrooks420]

My mechanic said it was "a real *****" and "everthing needed taken apart" R.I.P sweet, sweet warranty.