Frustrating day in the garage because I'm a dumdum. Changed the oil (nbd), installed the shifter springs (bit fiddly to get the big bolt started without cross-threading, but still nbd), and installed the Cusco trans collar brace (instructions in Japanese but they were hardly necessary; surprising number of bolts though; still nbd).
I left the steering rack bushings for last, figuring they'd be easiest. Nope. I neglected to buy a puller or Cusco's own removal/install tool, figuring I could just MacGyver something with what I had laying around in the garage. That sort of worked... Big C clamp, some PVC, and a deep well socket to push against, and I got the OEM bushings out after much grunting and cursing.
But then on the install, I managed to cock the metal sleeve slightly sideways while pressing it in with the C clamp, and ruined the inboard bushings.
So now I get to order a new kit plus the tool. Damn rookie mistake.
Question though, does anybody recommend a little bit of grease to help ease the install of those bushings, or nah?