Rack & Pinion

My '95 Regal GS Coupe 3.8L makes a loud popping noise when the car is not moving and I turn the wheel usually near the end of the turning range of either side, but sometimes near the center of the turning range. I took it to a few shops and they all said it was a bad rack & pinion. I also desperately need tires and I'm short on cash to take the car to a shop to have a new rack installed ($180 labor + alignment at Midas is what I was quoted). I was wondering if anyone has replaced a rack on their 1990-1996 Regal with a 3.8L (or 3.1L). If so how hard is it for a DIY man? The shops says it's roughly a 3 hour job. Any advice, ideas, tips, or opinions?