You have options
I used to overhaul those power racks
You could pull the sector shaft out and remove the power piston seal and o ring rendering it basically a manual rack
That combined with connecting the input and output lines prevents contamination.
That way you have a stronger? rack IMO
Can use a manual rack from a Pinto or Mustang II, not super hard to find in the junkyard.. use offset bushings to mount it, use tie rod ends from a 79 mustang, and fab up a steering shaft (if this interests you i can walk you through how I did mine)