On 9/19/07, David Wilhite <dlwilhite@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> I believe that my steering rack is getting worn out as it appears that I
> have quite a bit of play in the front end.  I noticed it when I had the
> front end up in the air while installing new brake pads up front.  I'm
> pretty sure it's the rack and not the joints, but I'll certainly check it
> out further before proceeding with any purchases.  Of course now that I
> notices the looseness in the steering rack, I have a heightened awareness of
> steering wheel chatter/vibration in my hands, so I need to do something
> soon.
> Since I may have to replace the rack, I'm thinking seriously about
> upgrading to power steering.  If I do this, my wife would be a wee bit more
> willing to drive the van.  Not a big deal, but it would be nice to get to be
> a passenger every now and then.
> On one of the vendor sites, they show a "rebuilt" power steering rack and
> "new" manual rack for the same price, so at least this part of the cost is a
> wash.  Of course, I'd need some power steering hoses and they'd have to be
> special for my Subie 2.2 PS pump.  This would cost more, but may be worth
> it.
> Anybody done the conversion?  Do I need a lot of extra parts?  Thanks for
> any input.
> David Wilhite
> 84' Westy

You'll love it. have written about this in archives. Basically I put one van
next to the other and swapped away. Pmail me for further details. Don't want
to bore everybody with this again.

BenT