Rack and Pinion aka steering rack replacement

Okay

I have discovered the following issue on my 2004 Toyota Prius . . . the RACK and PINION are toast , done, worn out....

The noise I can created just by turning steering wheel with vehicle powered on and complete power down is not a pleasant sound.... Not that my hearing is highly refined however I can actually hear the metal on metal movement and worn somewhat popping sound of the individual metal cog contacting the rack as I turn steer wheel. A unsettle noise which makes one (that's me) realize that will require some time labor, and replacement part ….

Does anyone first hand have knowledge about removal process and more specific once you have remove all mounting bolts, outer tie rods, loosen and remove steer joint spline connection,

I am making the assumption that the rack and pinion will have clearance out of the wheel wells at some desired time

 

Update
FYI
Okay removal of steering rack is relative straight forward(no wire harness to disconnect yet)

center vehicle front tires straight
remove/chock

lock down steering wheel/chock

loosen remove outer tie rod bolts L/R

loosen strut brace vertical tie rod thingy

remove steer u joint, hardware, boot, four rack bolts etc

current pricing range for steering rack

Ebay $780 (high) to $119 (low) reman
Ebay used $300 to $80
carparts.com $398 reman
summit race $139 reman
rockauto $140 reman
LHK keystone $50 used


This takes me to following issues

Really do not like used parts

do like reman because there is some display or appearance of business warranty

have had better experience with A1 cardone than dorman however both have sold out to china mfg.