Hi Scott,

I know this is a few days late . .. .
just wanted to be sure you knew about the filter screen
in the P. S. fluid reservoir.

You should take it out this screen, check for metal particles, clean it
thoroughly etc.  ( shoulda been servicing that all along actually .. .
but I don't think anyone is aware of this service item. )

On an 84 that I had, the old power steering system, the WHOLE system
was FULL of metal particles, including the res, the pipes, the lines
etc.
Thorough flushing and cleaning is indeed very important,
not to mention a front alignment or at the very least checking the toe-in
after the new rack is installed.

 sincerely,  Scott Foss , vanagon specialist ( professionally )