Chronological timeline in miles:
My first steering rack was from the donor. I spent a lot of time cleaning it up. It lasted about 1000 miles and started leaking at the hard line connections.
My second steering rack was from Autozone. I got the faster ratio. It was "rebuild blue" - the whole thing was painted, so I spray painted it black. This one lasted about 5,000 miles and it started leaking.
The third steering rack was from Autozone, it's lifetime guarantee so they gave me another one no questions asked. It was all black. This one lasted about 5,000 miles.
Frustrated, my 4th steering rack was from Breeze automotive. I got a full cash refund from Autozone of about $110 so I put it towards the Breeze unit, which I think was about $375. The quality was MUCH better, even the outside of the casting was better quality.
After about 5,000 miles on the Breeze rack, it's leaking and the p/s boot is filled with power steering fluid.
Now I need a 5th rack, plus another trip to the alignment shop.
I have rubber steering rack bushings, they are not the OEM ones but the harder ones, but it's not like I have the solid metal ones that might cause more vibration and stress on the rack.
Who makes the best rack?