88 rack and pinion assembly where to get

[j225]

1988 ford festiva, manual trans, manual steering

I ordered this part #2968 from detroit axle. Labeled as "Complete MANUAL Steering Rack and Pinion Assembly 1988-1993 Ford Festiva"

The car (dads) is 6 hours away and a shop is doing the work. The shop says the replacement is an inch longer and bigger in diameter. What is the correct part # and where to get it? I am waiting on the mechanic to get back to verify if aluminum or steel housing (old and replacement) and if tie rod ends will match up.

I did do a lost of searching but could not find any definitive answers.

[FestYboy]

Sounds like the "new" one is aluminum and takes the newer tierods (coarse thread). The housing will mate up and if it comes down to it, the inner tie rods can always be shortened.