just dont say anything when you return yours for the core charge.... yeah there the same, there is even a 3 turn lock to lock that you can get too for even cheaper i believe.... good luck, i just changed mine about a month ago...
Someone is feeding you a load. I work for a company that only sells steering parts. The 2.25 and 2.5 racks are the same rack. Only difference is the 2.25 has throw limiters installed on the rack gear.
Right. The 2.25 has a few 5 cent plastic clips in it to keep the wheels from turning as far. You can probably pull them out from your stock one and put them in the new one if you want. The only problem is that when you turn the wheel all the way, it might rub on the fender liner and such.