Ford Repair: 89 Taurus steering, intermediate shaft, input shaft

Question
I am replacing the rack & pinion steering on my 1989 Ford Taurus, and I need to know how to lower or remove the frame that the r&p unit is bolted to. Thanks.  

Answer
Wade,

The rack and pinion steering gear is located behind the engine/transaxel assembly on the subframe and actuates the steering arms.

As you do not really specify, I must assume that you are trying to remove the steering gear. The steering gear is bolted to the subframe and to remove it, follow these instructions. First off, if your vehicle is equipped with an air bag, make sure that the steering shaft is not turned while the steering gear or box is removed or you could damage the air bag system. To prevent the shaft from turning, turn the ignition key to lock position before begining work or run the sealt belt through the steering wheel and clip the seat beltinto place. However, it is strongly recommended that you allow a reputable automotive tech do the work on all vehicles equiped with air bags.
Also, if you are going to continue this on your own, any time any of the steering or suspension fasteners are loosened or removed, they must be replaced with new one and the original ones discarded-DO NOT REUSE THEM. Replace them with the same part number or original equipment and design and all tourque specifications must be followed for proper reassembly and component retention.

Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal and turn the ignition key to the run position to unlock the steering wheel. remove the left side under dash panel and remove the three nuts securing the steering column boot to the inside of the firewall and pull the boot back to expose the intermediate shaft. Mark the intermediate shaft, the steering gear input shaft and the steering column shaft so they can be reassembled in the same relative positions. remove the intermediate shaft then remove the heat shield from the subframe and disconnect the pressure and return lines from the steering gear and allow the fluid to drain into a container. Loosen the lug nuts on both front wheels, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands, apply the parking break and remove the front wheels. Separate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckle arms and remove the 2 steering gear mounting bolts/nuts from under the subframe. Push the steering gear up to dislocate the mounting bolts from the holes then roate the gear forward to bring the input shaft out of its hole in the firewall. Carefully guide the steering gear out of the left side wheel well. Istallation is the reverse of the removal procedure. be sure to tighten the mounting nuts to the specified tourque and bleed the power steering system. For further instruction and pictures to use for guidance, go to your local Auto Zone, Napa or Advanced Auto and pick up a Haynes manual specific to the year of your car. hope that this helps and good luck.

Ken