Finally jacked the car up a couple weeks ago and got down to serious investigation. Popped the boots off both inner tie rod ends and found they were very tight, no play at all. Outer tie rods are also tight. No play apparent at ball joints. With steering centered and my wife applying light pressure to steering wheel, there is no play. However, when the wheel is turned far off center either right or left, when she wiggles the wheel lightly back and forth the clunking is very evident. It definitely appears to be coming from the rack. Looking at the post above, I don't think there is 1 degree of play, however just knowing there is play at all does bug me (I like everything to be perfect). So although it doesn't need it now, I do think I'll add "replace steering rack" to my rainy-day projects list.

Anybody ever do this? Is it pretty straightforward?

Also, any input with regard to "parameter steering" as requested above?

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