Rack and Pinion/Tie Rod Help

[StephenMonizJr]

Howdy y'all I just recently bought my 95 Base 3000gt. She has a strong motor and tranny but has her imperfections. I knew when purchasing the car she needed an alignment as she pulls to the left. However the other day I went to BigTexTire in Humble, Texas and was told they couldn't do my alignment because the inner tie rods were shot and I needed to replace the steering rack and outer rods as well. Then I was quoted at 931 dollars to do the fix. After all the money spent on Christmas and the purchase of this car I am in no shape to throw down that kind of money. So I bought a reman rack and pinion with included inner tie rods as well as the outer tie rods. Is there anything else I would need as in parts and any specific tools needed other than the usual. I plan on doing the job next weekend 1/18-1/19, so if anyone is in the Humble/Houston area with nothing to do I wouldn't mind some help lol. I have never replaced a rack and pinion, inner or outer tie rods before so I would be going into it on a whim. I am sure I could figure it out if I take my time and just pay attention but my expertise is in Computer Repair not Auto lol. Thanks guys. 931 dollars are they nuts, smh. My parts cost me 169.99 Total :)

[Street_Chally73]

You will need to center the wheel & lock it in place...I've heard of people tying it off to stuff to keep it from moving while you remove the steering shaft from the rack assembly.

Really the biggest thing to take note of prior to disassembly is to try and count how many turns each outer tie rod was spun around on the inner rods...This way, your alignment will be somewhat close to where it was before changing out parts & will help to make sure that you get it to the alignment shop okay.

I get to do the same thing to my '91 R/T TT very soon, too. GL!!

[DocWalt]

http://www.3sgto.org/transmission-suspension-drivetrain/610-power-steering-rack-removal-replace-guide.html

:)

[StephenMonizJr]

Thank you both. It is much appreciated. :) I will remember to center the sucker off and count the turns. Thanks for the tips. I will also go over that power steering rack removal/replace guide a few times before doing it next weekend. Again, thank you. :cool3:

[StephenMonizJr]

Matter of fact, I will be printing that guide Doc lol. And Street I wish you GL with your Rack and Pinion Install as well :P

[DocWalt]

Have fun with it, that was easily the worst job I've ever done on a car. Not because of the rack... my exhaust was rusted together and then I got to do the job again since the reman rack blew up immediately, lol.

[StephenMonizJr]

Well that's reassuring lol. Thank god I have a few days off from work so I can take my time if I need too. I hope my exhaust isn't that bad and the rack install is smooooth. I do not want to do it multiple times like you lol :)

[StephenMonizJr]

So I finally get to do my rack and pinion install tomorrow as I have my new rack and pinion/inner tie rod assembly and the day off. :) 97Kitt from 3si and his son will be helping me which is pretty damn sweet and I am excited. I printed out your write up Doc, I was just wondering do I need to purchase anything else; either parts or specific tools before I start tomorrow. As it stands now I should have the tools listed in the write up and I have my rack and pinion assembly with inner tie rods/boots already connected and I have the outer tie rods already pregreased. I just wanna make sure before I waste anybodys time. thanks yall :)

[DocWalt]

I honestly don't remember, sorry. Free bump though!