rack and pinion change on an '84 GL wagon

[lrgvanman]

Has anyone done a rack and pinion change on an '84 GL wagon? Manual steering. What is the time of the process? NAPA site says the average for generic is 4-6 hours. Just looking to verify and do at home if I can get motivated. Thanks in advance my friends.

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[naru2]

Flat rate for a manual  rack is 2.3 hours says Chiltons.

I did my power rack many moons ago.

[lrgvanman]

Thanks, naru2. I just have to plan for the weather now. 

[rae houghton]

Did you ever get around to doing that job Irgvanman?

What caused the most trouble?

I have removed a couple of these rack and pinion assemblies from wrecked cars and found  the catalytic converter got in the way.

 

Now I am thinking of trading my old one in for one of the two that I took out.

But wondering how you tell if the ones I removed are in good condition.

Anyone have an idea how to inspect without taking the whole darned gear assembly apart?

 

Any input here from anyone is welcome.

[lrgvanman]

I still have the replacement sitting in a box and I don't know the answers to your questions. I know that the cat will need to be lowered and the hardest part will be realigning, regarding the outer tie rod end reinstalls.

[el_freddo]

I drop the exhaust. Makes it very easy to remove the rack. If you drill out the spot welds on the jacking plate and replace with bolts the whole lot drops out super easy. 

Alignment is required after and if DIYing it this can take some time to get it right. I’d take it to your nearest shop that you trust. 

Cheers 

Bennie