REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
Fig. Fig. 1 Exploded view of the rack and pinion assembly location and mounting
Fig. Fig. 2 Exploded view of the rack and pinion assembly-1984-87 models
Fig. Fig. 3 Exploded view of the rack and pinion components-1988 models
Fig. Fig. 4 Use a wrench to hold the stud, then use a ratchet and socket to remove the nut
Fig. Fig. 5 Separate the damper from the steering assembly
- Raise the vehicle and support it safely.
- Disconnect the flexible coupling pinch bolt from the steering shaft.
- Remove the outer tie rod cotter pins and nuts on the left and right sides.
- Disconnect the tie rods from the steering knuckle as outlined in the previous procedure.
- Remove the four bolts retaining the steering assembly to the crossmember and remove the steering assembly.
To install:
- Position the steering assembly to the crossmember and torque the four retaining bolts to 20 ft. lbs. (27 Nm).
- Install and tighten the flexible coupling bolt to 46 ft. lbs. (62 Nm).
- Install the tie rod ends, nuts and torque to 15 ft. lbs. (20 Nm), followed by a 1 / 6 turn to align the cotter pin. Install new cotter pins.
- Lower the vehicle and have the front end aligned by a qualified alignment technician.
OVERHAUL
The following two procedures can be performed without removing the rack and pinion assembly.
Steering Damper Assembly (1984-87 Models)- Hold the stud while removing the hex nut and flat washer and remove the damper assembly.
To install:
- Position the damper assembly onto the rack assembly, install the flat washers and nuts and torque to 32 ft. lbs. (43 Nm).
- Remove the tie rod end and jam nut.
- Cut the boot clamp and discard. The steering damper stud must be removed on the right side boot on 1984-87 models. Slide the boot off the rack assembly.
To install:
- Slide the boot and clamps into position and torque the steering damper stud to 35 ft. lbs. (48 Nm).
- Using a boot clamp tool J-22610, secure the boot clamps.
The following procedures can be performed by removing the rack and pinion assembly.
Inner Tie Rod End
Fig. Fig. 6 Use a back-up wrench when removing the inner tie rod end
Fig. Fig. 7 Use a drift and a hammer to stake both sides of the tie rod end housing
- Remove the outer tie rod end, jam nut, boot seal and clamps.
- Use a wrench on the rack when either the left or right-hand tie rods are removed.
Use a wrench on the rack teeth to avoid internal gear damage, as shown in the illustration in this section.
To install:
- Screw the tie rod end onto the steering rack and torque to 70 ft. lbs. (95 Nm).
- Using a drift, stake the housing to the adapter flats on both sides.
- Install the boot, clamps, jam nut and outer tie rod ends.
Further overhaul of the rack and pinion assembly is not economical or practical because a complete remanufactured unit can be purchased at your local parts distributor for a fraction of the price of new.
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