need help with rack & pinion!!!

[2000XPLORERSPORT]

my power steering fluid leaked out on friday.i jacked up the truck and found the leak is coming from the passenger side boot on the rack and pinion.i can get a new rack and pinion and replace it myself.but i can't find any write ups or good steps of doing this.i know its going to need an alignment afterwards.i just want to know how involved it is changing out the whole rack and pinion unit.im looking for a step by step to doing this.and or something with pics.a diagram of the rack and pinion would probably help.not a pic of the unit,i already seen a bunch of them.but something that shows how the unit goes in or what all has to be removed.any help on this would be great!the sooner the better as my explorer is stuck on jack stands.its a 2000 explorer 4.ol ohv 2 wheel drive.

 

[kerstingm]

I am having the same problem only it's on the right side. I have never worked on a rack and pinion. How much is a new one, can I just rebuild it or replace the seals? If you have found any post please let me know. Thanks

 

[410Fortune]

I recently replaced the entire rack and pinion on my 96 4 door explorer V8

I did a write up of the proceedure:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=142851&page=28

post #546, page 28 for me


Its a pretty big job, the new rack and pinion was like $180 from napa with a $170 core charge, it came with new inner tie rods also.
For most people an alignment will be required after the job is complete

great time to do your front brakes, hubs, outer tie rods, CV shafts, ball joints, etc if needed

 

[carlover]

On a 2wd its pretty simple. The hardest/most PITA part is the fittings. But it you disconnect the lines from the pump and drop the whole rack assembly and take the lines off outside the vehicle it's much easier. I can do one an less than an hour now.

 

[410Fortune]

Lucky lucky 2wd is always so much easier LOL

there are some good tips in that write up 2wd or 4x4 still applies.
I am proud of that write up LOL I put alot of time into it
steering on my 96 has been a CHALLENGE, 176K miles, 33's, wrecked before, body lift, = nightmare!
I finally have it licked!!!

 

[carlover]

Yeah i could only imagine the pain of trying to work around the front diff. I need to do my rack again soon. They only last me 6-8 months, and the intermediate shaft has about the same life. Damn desert lol...

 

[410Fortune]

wow I would be looking into aftermarket dual hydro rams or something other then the stock rack??
Have you added a cooler?

intermediate shaft = SUCK SUCK
Have you considered lowering your steering column to help the extreme angle?

 

[carlover]

Once i finsh the front end im gonna look into the steering setup. As far as the shaft im thinking of building one with a replaceable/greaseable joint to see if that makes life easier.

 

[410Fortune]

You know I was looking at this, and I think one could also shim the rack itself at its mounts, so it decreases the anlge the intermediate shaft enters at


or lower your steering column, it was pretty easy, just cutting the firewall down and over a bit was the hardest part


I want a true no drop bracket LT 5" lift so I can just ditch the body lift or reduce it to 1" at least

please send $$$$$$$

 

[kerstingm]

Thank you that helps alot.