steering rack bushings question

[winstonsmith]

I have a 78 280Z and the steering play is very excessive. I know the bushings have to be the problem as they look completely destroyed. Who here has replaced them without removing the rack to do it? How is it possible to do it that way? I have never done any kind of work on a steering rack before so how difficult a job would you say this is for a novice? I know the preferred method is removing the rack but that's seems like it would be more work and more difficult considering all the stuff I'd have to take off to do it and I may not know how to get it all back together. Like I said I've never done this kind of work before so I don't want to jump into something that might be over my head. Has anyone written up a tutorial of some kind that explains how to change them out without pulling the rack out? I may end up paying someone else to do it if this seems out of my league.

Also how dangerous is it to drive around with bad steering rack bushings? Other than bad steering response obviously. Is something likely to break or mess up on me if I keep driving it this way?

[seerex]

there is video from z therapy about it as well as a complete suspension bushing change out , you don't have to remove the rack but might have to jack up one side of the motor, also you should check the steering cupler bushing , its near the firewall inside the engine area

[mriz]

Use search function and tech setcion.As far as rack bushings Bambikiller aka Carl 's method was to losen motor mounts and slightly jack up motor which worked for me. Driver side more difficult than passenger but a diy anyway.