How to replace a steering rack? do i really have to loosen the bolts to the engine cradle to gain access?

The coupler between the steering rack and pinion and the bottom of your steering column became separated. There is a pinch bolt that was supposed to be removed to separate the two. The engine cradle will have to be lowered again, the coupler assembly reattached while partially lowered. The coupler is designed to have a certain amount of lateral movement to facilitate this type of repair and to accommodate movement between the two components while driving, it minimizes harsh road feedback in the steering column. Usually lowering the engine cradle down about an 1 1/2 inches will be sufficient to gain access. You may have to push up the dust boot to see how it connects.

(391) Automatic Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor
Inside the transmission behind side cover
Removal Procedure
Remove the case side cover. Refer to Control Valve Body Cover Replacement .

Important: Lock steering wheel in centered position with wheels straight ahead.
Remove the engine dress cover.
Remove the air cleaner intake duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Inlet Duct Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.1L or Air Cleaner Inlet Duct Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
Remove the engine mount struts. Refer to Engine Mount Strut Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.1L or Engine Mount Strut Replacement - Right Side and Engine Mount Strut Replacement - Left Side in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L.
Important: For supercharged engines, remove the throttle cable bracket.
Disconnect the shift cable bracket.
Remove the transaxle top side cover bolt.
Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical - 3.1L or Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L.
Disconnect the transmission wiring harness connector.
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Remove the left front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
Remove the left inner splash shield 3 push pins.
Loosen the wheel speed sensor harness from the 5 retainers at the cradle.
Remove the transmission support to cradle nuts only. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement .
Raise the vehicle.
Remove the front splash shield 5 bolts.
Loosen the engine mount lower nuts. Refer to Engine Mount Bracket Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.1L or Engine Mount and Bracket Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L.
Remove the stabilizer bolts and reposition the stabilizer.
Remove the steering gear cradle bolts, then support gear before lowering cradle.
Support the left side of the frame with a jackstand.
Remove the left side frame bolts. DO NOT loosen the right front or the right rear frame bolts. Refer to Frame Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
Remove the left ball joint from the steering knuckle.
Position the drain pan under the transaxle.
Remove the left drive axle from the transaxle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Drive Axle.
Secure the drive axle to the steering knuckle/strut.
Adjust the jackstand to lower the left side of the frame until it hangs free. Remove jack stand.
Lower vehicle to access engine support fixture.
Lower the engine/transmission assembly with the engine support fixture to gain access to remaining side cover bolts.
If replacing the side cover, remove 4 engine mount bracket bolts.
Remove the harness retainer.
Raise vehicle to access side cover bolts.
Remove the case side cover bolts (56-58).
Remove the case side cover pan (53).
Remove the case side cover gasket (54).
Clean the case.
Clean the side cover gasket mating surfaces.

Disconnect the wiring harness assembly from the fluid temperature sensor (391).
Remove the fluid temperature sensor (391).
Installation Procedure
Install the fluid temperature sensor (391).
Connect the wiring harness assembly to the with fluid temperature sensor (391).
Install the case side cover. Refer to Control Valve Body Cover Replacement .
Important: It is recommended that transmission adaptive pressure (TAP) information be reset. Resetting the TAP values using a scan tool will erase all learned values in all cells. As a result, The ECM, PCM or TCM will need to relearn TAP values. Transmission performance may be affected as new TAP values are learned.
Reset the TAP values. Refer to Transmission Adaptive Functions .

Here you are - power rack & pinion.

Except 2.2L and 1993-96 3.1L Engines
See Figure 1

1. Raise the intermediate shaft seal and remove intermediate shaft-to-stub shaft pinch bolt.
2. Remove the air cleaner and disconnect the pressure hoses from the steering gear.
3. Raise and support the vehicle on jackstands, then remove both front wheel and tire assemblies.
4. Remove the cotter pins and nuts from both tie rod ends. Using tool J-6627 or BT-7101, press the tie rod ends from the steering knuckle.
5. If equipped with an Air Management pipe, remove the bracket bolt from the crossmember.
6. Remove the 2 rear cradle mounting bolts and lower the rear of the cradle about 4-5 in. (102-127mm).

WARNING
If the rear of the cradle is lowered too far, the engine components nearest the cowl may be damaged.

1. If equipped, remove the rack and pinion heat shield.

Fig. Fig. 1: Power rack and pinion assembly

1. Remove the rack and pinion mounting bolts, then the gear assembly through the left wheel opening.

To install:

1. Install the gear assembly through the left wheel opening and install the mounting bolts.
2. Install the heat shield.
3. Raise the rear of the cradle and install the mounting bolts.
4. Install the bracket bolt to the crossmember under the air management pipe.
5. Install the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles, install the retaining nuts and insert new cotter pins.
6. Install the front wheels and lower the vehicle.
7. Install the high pressure hoses to the steering gear and install the air cleaner.
8. Install the intermediate shaft seal and the intermediate shaft-to-stub shaft pinch bolt.

2.2L Engine

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Install an engine support fixture J-28467-A, or the equivalent.
3. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
4. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
5. Remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
6. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from stub shaft.

CAUTION
Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury.

1. Remove the exhaust pipe hanger bracket near rear of frame including the brake line retainer and rubber exhaust pipe hangers.
2. Remove the engine and transaxle mount nuts at the subframe.
3. Support the rear of the subframe with jack stands.
4. Remove the rear subframe bolts and discard.
5. Lower the subframe for access to rack and pinion.

Do not lower the rear of the cradle too far, as damage to engine components nearest the cowl may result.

1. Remove the cotter pins and castle nuts from the outer tie rod ends and separate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles using a suitable puller.
2. Disconnect the power steering lines from the steering gear.
3. Remove the rack and pinion mounting bolts and nuts.
4. Remove the rack and pinion through left wheel opening.

To Install:

1. Install the rack and pinion through left wheel opening.
2. Install the rack and pinion mounting bolts and nuts and tighten to 66 ft. lbs. (90 Nm).
3. Connect the power steering lines to the rack using new O-rings and tighten the fittings to 13 ft. lbs. (17 Nm) on the return line and 21 ft. lbs. (28 Nm) on the pressure line.
4. Install the power steering line clip to steering gear.
5. Connect the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Tighten the castle nuts to 31 ft. lbs. (42 Nm). Install new cotter pins.
6. Raise the subframe into position and install new frame mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts to 103 ft. lbs. (140 Nm).
7. Remove the jack.
8. Install the engine mount and transaxle mount nuts and tighten to 39 ft. lbs. (53 Nm).
9. Install the exhaust pipe hanger bracket near the rear of frame including brake line retainer and rubber exhaust pipe hanger.
10. Connect the intermediate shaft to the stub shaft and tighten the pinch bolt to 29 ft. lbs. (40 Nm).
11. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Remove the support fixture.
14. Connect the negative battery cable.
15. Refill the power steering reservoir and bleed the system.
16. Check the front end alignment and adjust as necessary.

3.1L Engine (VIN M)

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove engine torque strut from engine.
3. Install an engine support fixture J-28467-A, or the equivalent.
4. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
6. Remove the cotter pins and castle nuts from the outer tie rod ends and separate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles using a suitable puller.
7. Remove the center engine and rear transaxle mounts from the frame.
8. Remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
9. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from stub shaft.

CAUTION
Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury.

1. Remove the brace bolts and brace, including brake line brace.
2. Support the rear of the subframe with jack stands.
3. Remove the rear subframe bolts and discard.
4. Lower the subframe for access to rack and pinion.
5. Remove the steering gear heat shield.
6. Remove the clip holding lines at rack assembly.
7. Disconnect the power steering lines and O-rings.
8. Remove the rack and pinion mounting bolts and nuts.
9. Remove the rack and pinion unit through the left wheel well.

To Install:

1. Install the rack and pinion through left wheel opening.
2. Install the rack and pinion mounting bolts and nuts and tighten the mounting bolts to 66 ft. lbs. (90 Nm).
3. Connect the power steering lines to the rack using new O-rings and tighten the fittings to 13 ft. lbs. (17 Nm) on the return line and 21 ft. lbs. (28 Nm). on the pressure line.
4. Install the power steering line clip to steering gear.
5. Install the steering gear heat shield.
6. Raise the subframe into position and install new frame mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts to 103 ft. lbs. (140 Nm).
7. Remove the jack.
8. Install the engine mount and transaxle mount nuts and tighten to 39 ft. lbs. (53 Nm).
9. Install the brace and bolts including brake line brace.
10. Connect the intermediate shaft to the stub shaft and tighten the pinch bolt to 29 ft. lbs. (40 Nm).
11. Connect the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Tighten the castle nuts to 31 ft. lbs. (42 Nm). Install new cotter pins.
12. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
13. Lower the vehicle.
14. Remove the support fixture.
15. Connect the negative battery cable.
16. Refill the power steering reservoir and bleed the system.
17. Check the front end alignment and adjust as necessary.

You aren't saying what engine is in it, or whether it is manual or power steering. Here is the R/R procedure for power steering rack for all engine sizes.

Except 2.2L and 1993-96 3.1L Engines
See Figure 1

1. Raise the intermediate shaft seal and remove intermediate shaft-to-stub shaft pinch bolt.
2. Remove the air cleaner and disconnect the pressure hoses from the steering gear.
3. Raise and support the vehicle on jackstands, then remove both front wheel and tire assemblies.
4. Remove the cotter pins and nuts from both tie rod ends. Using tool J-6627 or BT-7101, press the tie rod ends from the steering knuckle.
5. If equipped with an Air Management pipe, remove the bracket bolt from the crossmember.
6. Remove the 2 rear cradle mounting bolts and lower the rear of the cradle about 4-5 in. (102-127mm).

WARNING
If the rear of the cradle is lowered too far, the engine components nearest the cowl may be damaged.

1. If equipped, remove the rack and pinion heat shield.

Fig. Fig. 1: Power rack and pinion assembly

1. Remove the rack and pinion mounting bolts, then the gear assembly through the left wheel opening.

To install:

1. Install the gear assembly through the left wheel opening and install the mounting bolts.
2. Install the heat shield.
3. Raise the rear of the cradle and install the mounting bolts.
4. Install the bracket bolt to the crossmember under the air management pipe.
5. Install the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles, install the retaining nuts and insert new cotter pins.
6. Install the front wheels and lower the vehicle.
7. Install the high pressure hoses to the steering gear and install the air cleaner.
8. Install the intermediate shaft seal and the intermediate shaft-to-stub shaft pinch bolt.

2.2L Engine

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Install an engine support fixture J-28467-A, or the equivalent.
3. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
4. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
5. Remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
6. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from stub shaft.

CAUTION
Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury.

1. Remove the exhaust pipe hanger bracket near rear of frame including the brake line retainer and rubber exhaust pipe hangers.
2. Remove the engine and transaxle mount nuts at the subframe.
3. Support the rear of the subframe with jack stands.
4. Remove the rear subframe bolts and discard.
5. Lower the subframe for access to rack and pinion.

Do not lower the rear of the cradle too far, as damage to engine components nearest the cowl may result.

1. Remove the cotter pins and castle nuts from the outer tie rod ends and separate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles using a suitable puller.
2. Disconnect the power steering lines from the steering gear.
3. Remove the rack and pinion mounting bolts and nuts.
4. Remove the rack and pinion through left wheel opening.

To Install:

1. Install the rack and pinion through left wheel opening.
2. Install the rack and pinion mounting bolts and nuts and tighten to 66 ft. lbs. (90 Nm).
3. Connect the power steering lines to the rack using new O-rings and tighten the fittings to 13 ft. lbs. (17 Nm) on the return line and 21 ft. lbs. (28 Nm) on the pressure line.
4. Install the power steering line clip to steering gear.
5. Connect the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Tighten the castle nuts to 31 ft. lbs. (42 Nm). Install new cotter pins.
6. Raise the subframe into position and install new frame mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts to 103 ft. lbs. (140 Nm).
7. Remove the jack.
8. Install the engine mount and transaxle mount nuts and tighten to 39 ft. lbs. (53 Nm).
9. Install the exhaust pipe hanger bracket near the rear of frame including brake line retainer and rubber exhaust pipe hanger.
10. Connect the intermediate shaft to the stub shaft and tighten the pinch bolt to 29 ft. lbs. (40 Nm).
11. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Remove the support fixture.
14. Connect the negative battery cable.
15. Refill the power steering reservoir and bleed the system.
16. Check the front end alignment and adjust as necessary.

3.1L Engine (VIN M)

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove engine torque strut from engine.
3. Install an engine support fixture J-28467-A, or the equivalent.
4. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
6. Remove the cotter pins and castle nuts from the outer tie rod ends and separate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles using a suitable puller.
7. Remove the center engine and rear transaxle mounts from the frame.
8. Remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
9. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from stub shaft.

CAUTION
Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury.

1. Remove the brace bolts and brace, including brake line brace.
2. Support the rear of the subframe with jack stands.
3. Remove the rear subframe bolts and discard.
4. Lower the subframe for access to rack and pinion.
5. Remove the steering gear heat shield.
6. Remove the clip holding lines at rack assembly.
7. Disconnect the power steering lines and O-rings.
8. Remove the rack and pinion mounting bolts and nuts.
9. Remove the rack and pinion unit through the left wheel well.

To Install:

1. Install the rack and pinion through left wheel opening.
2. Install the rack and pinion mounting bolts and nuts and tighten the mounting bolts to 66 ft. lbs. (90 Nm).
3. Connect the power steering lines to the rack using new O-rings and tighten the fittings to 13 ft. lbs. (17 Nm) on the return line and 21 ft. lbs. (28 Nm). on the pressure line.
4. Install the power steering line clip to steering gear.
5. Install the steering gear heat shield.
6. Raise the subframe into position and install new frame mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts to 103 ft. lbs. (140 Nm).
7. Remove the jack.
8. Install the engine mount and transaxle mount nuts and tighten to 39 ft. lbs. (53 Nm).
9. Install the brace and bolts including brake line brace.
10. Connect the intermediate shaft to the stub shaft and tighten the pinch bolt to 29 ft. lbs. (40 Nm).
11. Connect the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Tighten the castle nuts to 31 ft. lbs. (42 Nm). Install new cotter pins.
12. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
13. Lower the vehicle.
14. Remove the support fixture.
15. Connect the negative battery cable.
16. Refill the power steering reservoir and bleed the system.
17. Check the front end alignment and adjust as necessary.

This is a repair that should not be attempted by a novice! Put the van in the air,remove the front wheels,remove the cotter keys from the tie rod ends and remove the nuts and separate from the spindle,Remove the Power steering lines from the rack and pinion unit,Remove the single bolt that attaches the rack to the steering shaft,Remove the two large steering rack mounting bolts from the engine/transaxle cradle, with support under the engine/transaxle cradle remove the rear mounting bolts slowly lower the cradle slowly to gain access to remove rack assembly and reverse for installation. NOTE: Install new seals on the power steering lines and when removing outer tie rods from the rack count how many turns it takes to remove the end and put it back on the same amount of turns. Refill the system with proper fluid and have the vehicle Front end aligned!!!!!!!!

Break the lugnuts loose on both frt wheels. Jack up frt of vehicle. Remove wheels and remove the intermediate shaft attaching bolt. Support the subframe assembly. Remove the rear cradle bolts and lower the cradle slightly Remove the outer tierod attaching nuts and remove from spindles. Loosen and remove the power steering lines. Remove the steeing rack attaching bolts and rack.

Be very carefull because there are lines and wires that can be broken if the engine is lowered too far. Disconect the battery. Set the parking brake and chock the rear tire.
Put the car on jack stands and take off one of the tires. Put the jack under the rear of the engine cradle. You have to loosen the steering column set screw at the steering rack and loosen the two front bolts that hold the engine cradle to the chassis. Take the two rear cradle bolts almost all the way off and lower the cradle until you can wiggle the sway bar out. The steering will disconnect.
Reverse the procedure to put everything back where it belongs. The steering shaft is a "D" shape so it only goes on the rack one way. Tighten the set screw and torque the engine cradle to the required specification. 133 ft. lb.
IMPORTANT -- Take the car to an alignment shop and have at least the front aligned. The front suspension is attached to the cradle and can be moved out of alignment.
Complete instructions are found in Haynes Manual p/n 24048, chapter 10.

well this is usually handled in the shop on a lift. as to lower the 2 rear cradle bolts slowley to gain easier access to lines going into the rack.(upper should already be removed). but be verry careful as not to lower too far that the steering shaft pulls apart.

Hi I'm litoshop if your going to pull out the transmission you don't have to pull it out with the engine using a cross rack over the towers of the shock you hang the engine so you can take out the tranny with out bring the engine out, some mega auto parts lend out these special tool if you want to do it yourself you can try pep boy or western auto good luck on your new project if this information has been helpful please let use know thank you

jj, here's the procedure:
turn ignition key to locked position and turn steering wheel to the left until the wheel is locked. Remove key.
While vehicle still on ground disconnect the steering column shaft coupler from the steering gear intermediate coupler. Remove the cotter key the nut and the pinch bolt.
Loosen wheel lug, raise vehicle support securely w/ jack stands, remove the wheels.
Raise the insulating wrap on the power steering return hose to expose the hose clamp. Remove the hose clamp and detach the hose, Drain ps fluid thru the hose.
Remove both tie rod ends from steering knuckles.
Remove the 2 bolts and loosen the 3rd attaching the anti-lock brakes Hydraulic control Unit (HCU) to the suspension cradle.
then rotate the HCU rearward to allow access to the cradle bolt and nut just forward of the hcu.
Remove the nuts and bolts attaching the cradle plate to the bottom of the front suspension cradle, then remove cradle plate from cradle.
Remove bracket attaching power steering fluid line to the front suspension cradle.
Detach ps.fluid pressure and return lines from the ps gear.
Remove the 3 bolts and nuts mounting the steering gear to the front suspension cradle.
Lower the steering gear from the suspension cradle enough to allow access to the intermediate coupler roll pin. Install a roll pin remover/installer tool (they always get u with that darn special tool, don't they?) or equivalent set up. Pull the roll pin out of the intermediate coupler. Separate the intermediate coupler from the shaft of the steering gear Remove the steering gear assembly from the suspension cradle. Well, it's too late to give the install procedure, but u seem to have it under control, so let me know if u need more info and how u make out! Merry Christmas!