Removal of the rack is the proper procedure.  However, it can be done.  Pull
the tie rod all the way out and you can then get to it.  Removal of the
spare tire may help.  When loosening/tightening the tie rod end, it is
extremely important the you hold the gear rack it self.  if any torque is
transmitted to the rack, the seals and bushings may be damaged which will
result in a leaky rack soon.  I have seen the pinion gear get damaged from
this resulting in the rack binding.  The rack is the same for both the
Syncro and 2WD Vanagons.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Martin Peitz <peitz@HIWAAY.NET>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Tuesday, September 08, 1998 2:02 PM
Subject: Installing a tie rod in a Syncro

>Sometimes the seemingly easy things turn out to be tricky.
>
>I changed the right side tie rod on my Syncro because the inner joint
>was worn out (got it from the Bus Depot, no problems).
>The inner joint is first torqued and then secured by chiseling/bending
>that "extrusion" into the notch of the steering rack.
>This looked easy in the pictures, but it turned out that the notch on
>the steering gear rack it on top and not on the bottom.
>That makes it impossible to get at.
>Is this Syncro only?
>Is there a trick to it?
>Does one actually have to take out the steering gear to do this?
>
>Input appreciated.
>
>Martin