Well the rack was supposed to be ready on Tuesday but the guy got sick and I finally got it yesterday afternoon. The wife gave me the you are not working on that car instead of taking me out to dinner dirty look (that look could kill a weaker man and I am not whipped) and it is sitting out under Inga right now.

So today when the temp dips below say 90 (it's supposed to be 98 today) I am going to venture out under Inga (1986 245DL 238K) which is still up on the redneck rack and install it.

Question is (are), do you have any good tricks for getting the splined section of the steering back into the lower Swivel that connects the steering rack? When removing it last Saturday I gave it a good tug and it came off. Ok maybe a lot more than a good tug. Left it on the rack when I dropped it off and it was back on the new rack along with reworked tie rod ends. They actually put new boots on the old ones that were starting to crack. Not bad for $200 plus tax and a lifetime warranty. What have you done to spread, drive on, or get the steering connection back on the swivel? This looks like one of those simple tasks that could get frustrating in a hurry.

Looking to be efficient because when the front of the cart is done, time to tear out the interior an get ready for the POR kit, rear poly bushings and rear shocks to arrive. Should be a big week for the UPS phantom (AKA the Brown Ghost), you never hear or see him, the box just appears on the porch.

Still have to flush the power steering pump and lines. So another question is the Bentley says use ATF for the fluid. That is not what was in Inga, there was a variety of stop leak based steering fluids in there. The guy at the rebuild shop said to flush it out really well. The leak stop stuff will swell and weaken the new seals in the rack. Any tricks and tips on that would also be greatly appreciated on the flush and the fluid you use.

Thanks in advance for your input and ideas.

I leave you with the secret handshake until later.

Paul