'03 Caravan Steering Rack replacement

[98Valkyrie]

Hi Guys;
I have an ‘03 Caravan with a noisy front end. I have been the original driver, although the second owner. (Corporate lease buyout). I have 83k on the clock. For the last 20k I have heard a cluck when I drive over bumps, driveway curbs, etc. About 10k ago I took it to the Dealer. They indicated that after a lot of testing, they found the steering rack was bad. I have let it go until now. Just this week, I am hearing a lot more noise when going over some dirt washboards at a local parking lot. I can move the steering wheel quickly from side to side and recreate the noise. I jacked up the van today, had the SO move the steering wheel quickly back and forth and the noise is coming from the steering rack. I am able to do most repairs. How difficult is it to replace the steering rack? Are there any special steps I need to take? I assume I will need to have the front end aligned after I replace the rack, right?
Thanks
Jim

[GTP Dad]

Changing the rack is not hard if you have a lift and the tools. Nothing special is required to my knowledge although an impact wrench and a tie rod tool would be helpful. Just remember to bleed the system by attaching one hose to the rack and then pumping fluid through it by turning the engine over until you get a steady stream from the return line. This is very important as you will have no steering if you don't. Be careful not to run the reservoir dry as that can compound the issue. After replacement you will need to have it aligned at a shop. If you do careful measurements prior to removal you can get it pretty close to where it was so you can drive it to the alignment shop.