2008 Ranger 3.0L, 2WD, cannot get power steering rack out

[mctavish]

Hi everyone. I am in the middle of replacing my power steering rack in my 2008 Ranger, 3L, 2WD. I took out the sway bar for more room, removed the tie rod ends, but cannot slide the rack out. I can rotate it and slide it only part way it but it almost looks impossible without removing an inner tie rod, My manuals say just slide it out but I really dont want to mess with the inner tie rods on the new rack. The drivers side shaft that connects to the steering column pinch bolt seems to be the problem in getting any room. Any suggestions or tips? Thank you for your time.

 

[adsm08]

Many times you have to twist, turn, and tilt the rack to get the input shaft past various obstructions.

I have no first-hand experience taking the rack out of a Ranger though. Lots of other cars, just not a Ranger.

 

[hondaxr650]

The rack has to be tilted forward and wiggled toward the passenger side. They suck, and don't seem like they will ever come out, but they will. I have also found that removing the mounting bushings and sleeves first will give you a little extra wiggle room when you're trying to slide it trough the hole in the frame.

 

[kid_crash]

I feel for us. I've wrestled with that job. After many tries it got in this magical position and pretty much fell out. I can't tell you how but it will come out.

 

[mctavish]

Thanks everyone. I finally got it out. I think the problem was having the control arm hang down too much on the passenger side . I had jack stands on the crossmember so I used my jack to lift the lower control arm a bit. I guess 1/4 " made the difference.