Good job. I have never failed to get one out, although I have had tough times. I have found that using one pry bar will cause it to tilt to one side making it bind more. Using two pry bars, one on each side, and trying to apply force as perpendicular as possible usually does the trick. A lot of the time with this method I don’t even need a long pry bar, I can use two big screwdrivers and just give them a little wiggle
Whatever is on sale. It’s all the same
I would knock the high spots down with sand paper, polish it with scotch brite, and maybe wipe the tiniest bit of rtv or loctite or anaerobic sealer on there, install the seal, and SHIP IT!
Like the other people said, inner tie rod end. Have to replace that boot too most likely, or at least the clamps that hold it on. In a case like this you need to decide if you want to just do the inner tie rod end or replace the whole steering rack, which usually comes with inner tie rod ends installed. Doing the rack will cost more but If the rack is leaking I would do the rack. And outer tie rod ends at the same time
Yes