I heeded the warnings and made sure I inspected the rack thoroughly prior to fitting new boots and refinishing the exterior. I was lucky as the old boots were intact and the UJ connector was in perfect condition (no deep rust or play whatsoever). The rack internals looked new and absent of rust, and when I drained the oil it was clean.
The only issue I had with my rack was a leak from both of the small inspection covers. The covers were corroded and so were the half dozen metal adjustment shims (paper thin) which accompany them. The rust seemed to be enough to compromise the seal between the rack and cover, so I spent a few hours cleaning everything, and then I cut new paper gaskets from a yellow manila folder. This was a bad idea though because the oil saturated the paper and then passed right through it, leaking all over my garage floor. In the end I just ditched the paper gaskets and sealed down each shim with light gasket sealer. It was a messy job but the rack is never going to leak again.
After refinishing the rack with new paint, I re-fitted new rubber boots and locked them down with zip ties. the trick with the zip ties is to ensure the inside of the boot and the surface of the rack is free of any oil. Otherwise the boot is going to slip off and leak. I had the inspection covers zinc plated so they won’t rust again, and then filled the rack with 90 weight gear oil. There isn't a reference as to how much you should put in, so I filled the rack with what I thought is a good amount. The last step was to connect the new track rod ends and leave them loose so I can adjust the alignment later on. Job done!
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