Steering rack replacement

[Mach_5]

I will be replacing the steering rack on my wife's '96 Cavalier next weekend. I have heard that the engine cradle needs to be dropped to get the rack out. How far do I need to drop it? Any surprises with dropping the cradle or other aspects of the job? I'm going to replace the outer tie rod ends while I have everything apart.

I'm looking forward to this like a trip to the dentist.