steering rack replacement

[Blade2001]

I am going to replace the steering rack in my 87T. Passenger side boot is ripped, but no leak yet. I am not planning to replace the tie rod ends, since they are just fine. I have the TSRM for instructions. But TSRM talks about how to remove one in the car, fix it, then re-install. I will be installing another rack on.. so, making match marks and all wont help.... My questions:

1. How do I make sure the steering wheel will be centered with the new rack?
2. Can I unscrew the tie-rod end without disconnecting from the hub ?
3. How do I make sure I can get the tie-rod ends to a point where I can take it to an alignment shop for final adjustments ?


Thanks for all your help.

 

[Poodles]

1. Use the seat belt trick that they use for towing

2. Inner tie rod will unscrew out of the outer tie rod. Make match marks, then put an open end wrench on the area of the shaft that is squared off. The match marks are so you can count the amount of revolutions so you can put em on the same way.

3. Answered above ^^

 

[Blade2001]

Thanks for the reply.. One other thing is, when I install my new rack, how do I make shure the rack is at center of its travel ? the gear housing input shaft got splines, but not notched to make sure the steering shaft only goes on one way..

I will reuse the tie rod ends, and cound number of turns, so that I can install tie-rod ends same as on the current rack, but I am still confused about the gear housing input shaft to the steering connection getting to be in the center position.