So im replacing the rack on my 93 integra rs manual transmission. I have it ready to slide out but it's stuck. The shaft with splines on it that comes out of the rack to hook to the steering gear is in the way since it protrudes upward about 4 inches into the frame. This keeps the rack from sliding out the wheel well. How do i go about getting the rack the rest of the way out? I can rotate it enough to get the shaft out of the hole toward the front and back of the car... but it gets stuck on the metal and won't twist enough to come out. I even removed the sub frame piece that goes front to back and the shift stabilizer bar. It looks like i have to remove my exhaust and all those bolts are rusted to hell.

Also how do i know if my new steering rack is centered before i hook it up to my steering gear during re-installation? Thanks in advance... hoping to get her running so i can get back to work.