rack and pinion removal in 97 v8 explorer

[gear_grinder]

hi,

i have everything off/out of the way to remove the rack and pinion from my explorer but the rack doesnt have enough room to rotate and come through the passenger side to get the driver side tie rod end out past the cross member.

anyone done one of these?

 

[delexploder]

Yea I've done more than I care too and its tight! Do you have the outer tie rods off? If so then it will come I know I've been there and it sucks. If you dont need or dont care about the lines on it as i guess you are replacing it smash the one that's in your way. But its a twist and rock and smack type job but for some reason it goes back in easyer.

 

[RomeovilleIL]

Remove the inner tie rod end first. Can be accessed by simply turning wheel to full lock. A pipe wrench or large adjustable wrench works fine. Remove the retaining bands, slide boot toward the outer tie rod end to expose the inner. Once the tie rod is removed, the rack will clear.

 

[gear_grinder]

Remove the inner tie rod end first. Can be accessed by simply turning wheel to full lock. A pipe wrench or large adjustable wrench works fine. Remove the retaining bands, slide boot toward the outer tie rod end to expose the inner. Once the tie rod is removed, the rack will clear.

just the driver side inner? i have everything out of the way and off around the rack (even the oil cooler above it) its just sitting loose in the front sub frame

 

[delexploder]

Take both ends off then you gotta slide it to the pass side and rotate it down and wiggle the hell out of it the whole way until the driver side and the valve where all the lines screw in is clear and pointing at you then pull it out and start working it back to the driver side until the other end is clear

 

[gear_grinder]

have you guys one it on v8 trucks?

i watched this vid, but he rotates the rack forward to get it to fit through the opening in the side of the sub frame (12:49). the v8 oil pan has no such clearance...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gv35Qyeu-g

 

[gear_grinder]

are the names of the engineers that developed the v8 explorer published?

i think i need to mail them a box of cat ****

 

[kevinspann]

Or just the explorer in general.

"Hay guise, watch this ****, let's put the rack THROUGH the framerails"


Also, what is the reason for the rack change? Binding? Check the steering shaft...

 

[gear_grinder]

Or just the explorer in general.

"Hay guise, watch this ****, let's put the rack THROUGH the framerails"


Also, what is the reason for the rack change? Binding? Check the steering shaft...

seals on both sides junk, pisses fluid out

that vid shows a 4.0 truck, i'll take pictures/video in the daylight if you don't believe me that their is no room...

 

[kevinspann]

Oh, I looked at a 5.0...no thanks.

Remove both inners and keep working it. You may have to raise the motor...

 

[Turdle]

Geargrinder-
This thread might help.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96196&highlight=v8+oil+pan+steering+rack

I believe you do need to raise the engine some, however If I recall correctly you can leave the engine mount nuts threaded on a bit to keep everything aligned. Use a good block of wood under the oil pan for the jack to rest on.

Also, as mentioned in the thread I linked if you have the "oil cooler" type filter adapter, you may need to move it also.

Yeah, this would make me a little upset also. Time for a think break, maybe an adult beverage so you can catch your breath. Hopefully you can work around draining the oil and coolant.

Back in the day I cracked the oil pan ( another story) on the Turdle link in my signature. I was able to change the pan in the truck, however the steering rack did have to come out. So, the engine had to be held raised without the benefit of an oil pan to hold it there. I feel the pain, but you can work through the rack change. Good luck

 

[waskly]

removing the tie rods inner works.

also to remove the rack you have to take the 3 piece rack bushings out else it will not come out. and they are a **** to come out.

 

[gear_grinder]

got it out a couple days ago, i had removed the oil cooler and drained the coolant/oil (wanted to change them b4 winter anywho..)

came out easily after i decided to take the afternoon off and come back to it in the morning. i had taken both inner tie rods off, idk if the passenger side one made a difference or not...

raising the engine was a last option for me, i have TMH and you cannot get at the engine mount nuts with them on :\

 

[rabbit91]

I had mine changed at a shop a year ago , I was told they had to completely take the rack apart to remove it and do the same to get the new one in. Costed me 3 hours of labour!!