Power Steering Rack swap

[alan2112drums]

My power steering rack is leaking so I am buying a used one and having it installed. I would like to know if there are different sizes or one size that fits all Envoys? (I have a 2004 5.3 V8 4 x 4). Also, is there any other maintenance work that should be done while the steering rack is out?
Thanks

 

[Mooseman]

All racks interchange except for the early '02 trucks with the 14mm tie rods, which were later upgraded to 16mm.

Here's some info if you want a different ratio:
http://gmtnation.com/forums/threads/steering-upgrade-07-tb-can-an-ss-rack-be-installed.15084/

 

[SnowBlazer]

All racks interchange except for the early '02 trucks with the 14mm tie rods, which were later upgraded to 16mm.

I thought I saw some guy on here a few years ago upgrading his 02 with a later year

 

[Sparky]

Yeah, you can do that too, just means replacing all the tie rod stuff as well. And you don't want to put a 14mm tie rod rack into a vehicle if you can help it.

If I was replacing a rack I'd have all new inner and outer tie rods while I was at it.

 

[Photoguy_15]

What's involved in swapping to a rack with 16mm tie rods? And when was the switch made from 14mm to 16mm?

 

[Sparky]

Basically just replacing the rack and tie rods, everything else is the same.

The change was partway through 2002 model year, so only the early 02's had 14mm. My 02 had the 16mm tie rods and IIRC it was built halfway through the 2002 model year.

 

[Photoguy_15]

I was worried for a second there. I thought I'd have to swap out the spindles too.

 

[Mooseman]

We haven't heard of a specific reason or safety concern why it was changed but if you still have a 14mm rack and it's still good, I wouldn't worry about. If you are replacing it though, I would go with the 16mm.

 

[Photoguy_15]

I'm looking to swap a quicker ratio rack in, so that's why I'm wondering.