I am struggling with the reinstallation of my steering rack following MM and oil pan gasket service. Forward bolts are in on the rack, but I can't seems to make the rear of the rack rise up - resitqnce coming from somewhere. I could jack it up, but from what I have read the process seems to be a bit more lite handed compared the jack / brute force method.

Any suggestions / tricks to make it slip into place?

Thanks,
Dave

 

check the bottom motor mount studs its quite possible that they are protruding enough to contact the top of the rack ,
the studs will usually hit the small metal transfer lines that run along the top of the rack,
also make sure you have the U joint slider in its correct position, hopefully you didnt remove the clamp bolt or loosen it.
you will need a dremel to cut off the extra stud length if necessary

 

Also could be the front wheels, try moving them as they both could be pointing out.

 

Thanks Stan & Dave. Got it back together, but not really clear what the issue was. I used the new mounts from Roger so clearance turned out not to be a issue. Did some wheel wiggling, pushing, pulling, etc. and slowly got bolts on each screw and used them to move the back of the rack into place. To double check there was no unusual tension on the system, I removed the screws and plate and made sure there was some play in the rack and lines - which there was. Also took the time to swap out the crush rings on the rack - looked like one had a slow weep. Finally, I put it back together and it seems to be ok.

Thanks for the help and suggestions!
Dave