Amazing I'd never thought to call that a tie-rod end? I'd get a whole new or rebuilt rack. The Ford CD shows dropping the sub-frame,their point is the rack needs to be held so to "avoid extensive torque forces removing the tie rod end".
If you'e going to all that might as well do it all. my 2 cents!
I watched my tranmission shop replace the rack on a Cougar, they droppped the sub-frame, made it so much easier. I can't remember if the engine was still supported from above. Tranny had just re-installed. Having it up on lift would make sooooo much simpler!
That 450 ft lb. air wrench w/hammer assist had one heck of time breaking the sub-frame bolt drivers footwell side.
Yep I would think twice and let a shop do this, unless you have one in your garage?
Paul
