hey list,

ive survived my installation of a new power steering rack.  recommendations
for anybody doing the same procedure:

a) there is a difference between a ball joint separator and a tie rod
separator, buy the later, even tho they look almost the same
b) dont be afraid to really give the end of the tie rod separator a good
solid whack or two or three or ten
c) the u-joint is a pain in the ass to get back on once you are doing the
install, have somebody help you by holding the rack while you finnagle the
u-joint.  try whacking it a bit from the front side of hte vehicle (take off
the spare tire and crawl up into that space to get access)
d)  measure how far the tie rods ends sit on their bolts on the original
unit, and reproduce that on the new unit.  this will help get the alignment
close.  (finish the alignment after its all over by measure front and rear
of tires, or take it to your local shop)

yo.
peace out all u vanagon heads ...
-steve and buster