I just replaced the rack on my 2000 GTP over the weekend. I could not get the return line off of the rack even after going to Auto Zone and buying another 18mm flare nut wrench. Finally I simply cut the rubber tubing where it connects from the line that is attached to the rack and the loop that ends up going to the pump return. This is easy to access in the passenger wheel well. It cost me $1.99 for a foot of rubber line, I only needed 5-6 inches and I had 4 clamps to use to secure it. The rack came out and installed easily with the hard line attached to the rack and it was easy to remove the line on the bench. If I had done it this way to begin with I could have saved a couple of hours and $10.
Also I read the threads on lining up the coupler with the rack, some said it went right in and others said it was a PITA. I locked the steering wheel straight ahead. I then set the old rack and the new rack side by side. I used a straight edge along one of the flats on the old rack input shaft and marked the places where it crossed the outside of the gear housing. I then measured from the marks to a handy reference, number on the casting, and moved the input shaft on the new unit to the same position also using the straight edge and marker. When I installed the drive it was within 1 degree of spot on and I used a padded jaw wrench to bump it into exact position. The whole process took maybe 10 minutes and was without any issues. I never had to unlock or wiggle the steering wheel.
