I'm getting some horrific quotes on this repair. One guy said he only buys factory parts from the dealer and a new (new, not rebuilt) rack was over $1000. Another guy called b.s. and said there are no new racks anymore but still wanted about $700 for the part + labor. I'm in the wrong business.

I have a basic set of tools, jack, stands, etc. The instructions in the Haynes book don't look that bad, worst case a full day under the car. Aside from a ball-joint separator, it doesn't look like I'll need any other special tools. I know I will need an alignment afterwards. Anything else I should be aware of before attempting this?

I was planning to order the rack from Jorgen, the other parts from IPD who seem to have good prices.

The reason for the rack replacement is that the steering assist either cuts out at low speed, or only works one way e.g. turning to the right is fine but not the left. I can sort of live with that, and it doesn't leak as far as I know, though last Friday the high pressure line blew out and I am replacing both lines this week.

The other stuff is mostly proactive given the car's age and that I'm certain they have never been replaced, plus there is a clunk from the front end when I go over bumps (could also be control arm bushings or upper strut bearing I guess). I'm out of work right now so obviously need to conserve $ but I want to do this right the first time and not have to get in there again in a month or so for something else.