Perhaps the last mental snag I'm now having is how best to make sure the new rack bolts up to the steering column EXACTLY how it's suppose to or how the old one was. I've read (yes I know we can't believe everything we read but...) being even one spline off can introduce bump steer.
Any steps (pre/post measurements, markings, etc.) that can be done to negate this as much as possible during installation of the new rack?
Related to this, in hindsight since you've already recently done this
, what would be the quickest/easiest way to separate the old rack from the steering column and also during reinstallation.