I just replaced my tie rods and purchased new boots as well.  i took the new
tie rod and removed the outer tie rod end and slipped the boot over it.  In
your case you would unscrew the tie rod end bolt, pickle fork the tie rod
out, unscrew the end, slip the boot on the replace the end with the bolt
torque at 22lbs.
You might be able to unscrew the inner tie rod end and carefully slip the
small end of the boot over it.
I found that the rubber is pretty strong and can be pulled a lot.  Getting
the big end of the boot to fit over the rack proved a little time consuming.
I ended up starting it in the channel with my fingers then ran a screw
driver around the race to seat it... not the best idea I'm sure.

-- mark

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Craig Morton
Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2006 8:15 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Another Steering Rack Question

Yesterday afternoon I discovered a steering rack boot is damaged. I have
ordered a replacement. What is the easiest way to install it? About how long
should installation take?

  TIA

  Craig

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