I kinda fail at remembering advice given to me, thanks soflarick!

Got a part number for those boots? Mine are mangled too and in need of replacing.

After seeing the inside of my rack, better replace them sooner rather than later. No part number, I just went to Napa and asked for steering rack boots. They ordered me a "boot kit", which apparently only meant one freaking boot. So after I ordered the second boot kit I had both sides. So, FYI - "boot kit" is only one.

Update time, I got everything reassembled and lo, there is still play and it somehow feels grittier than before. I've hit up ebay for a good condition used rack (good condition as in the boots look intact...) and that should arrive in a few days.

Rack is here, it's from a '97 and the boots hadn't split, so it looks fantastic on the inside. I'm going to try to depower it and throw it in today after class..

Edit - also, I'd installed these "R package" outers, but look at this comparison shot... Is there just that little difference or did I get the wrong part?

I dont have R package, but I would think the difference isnt that huge.. In the tie rod end. I hear the difference is noticeable while driving.

I have custom knuckles though. So I have a decent amount of correction there too.

OH, btw, if i woere you i would get spacers to put in there now while you have the rack off.. the you will really fix that bump steer..

Good luck..

I might raise the car .5" before I get it aligned, that will help with bumpsteer too.

Would would say rack spacers before raising the car ;)

Just got the rack in yesterday, helluva difference. Went from a rack that felt like it was filled with sand to a mint rack for the price of one tie rod. Steering wheel's a bit off center but I'll fix that later today or tomorrow. Been thinking about setting the toe with a few pieces of string and a measuring tape. Never done it this way before, but I was an alignment tech at one point in time so it shouldn't be too difficult, especially for just toe.

Jeff, where does one get rack spacers, and are there any unwanted side effects like squirreliness?

Sorry i didnt see this for so long. No neg side effect. Just less bump steer. Just make sure if you did it it ok with whatever sactioning body you drive with.

I am not sure if anyone makes them in bulk. ctdriftna over on rd.com can make them for you.. Oh, he is here too