Do I need a new steering rack? And what about upgrading the rack bushings?

[curlykicker]

This topic was started in another thread but i thought I had better start a new thread for it:

In regards to my steering: The steering does not vibrate when steering, but the area where my boots are, appears to be leaking. The boots are covered in fluid but I don't see and drip spots when I park my car. In fact one boot is completely torn all the way around and seperated from the other half.

So the question is, should I order a whole new rack?

Also, has anyone ever replaced the bushings with aluminum or higher grade rubber? Because I've heard that this might increase the steering response, under the same principal of urethane sway bar endlink bushings.