Steering & struts help

Hi
I'm new to the club - been with the UK lot for 6 months since buying my silver 91 Jap import. Put 11000 exciting & trouble free miles on since then, but..

The rack needs replacing (worn inner joints). I have one to replace and altho' it looks straightforward, getting it out of the subframe looks a nightmare! Any advice - engine raise or subframe drop??!!

The strut bearings need replacing. Does the spring need compressing to remove the strut?

Seen a lot about the steering o ring replacement - which one is this? Rather do it with the rack out than in!

Thanks in anticipation

Tony