What is that little hollow bar that goes betweem the steering gear boots for?
One end keeps slipping out every now & then, & it's becoming enough to make me want to remove it completely. What is it supposed to be doing on there?
That is a pressure equalization tube that equalizes power steering fluid between the left and right sides. If you have a 99 your steering rack could probably use some attention in addition to just this. You should rebuild or replace the entire rack IMHO. At least change the fluid and fix that vent tube issue. Install some MM rack bushings, I can see in that pic that your stock rubber rack bushings are degraded... Check the tie rod ends also...