QUOTE
disconnected the tie rods, steering rack
"Splain yourself Lucy"
The 2 17mm bolts are off the rack? So, rack and crossbar are not connected? Or - What Scott is referring to, did you disconnect the steering shaft? If it's the shaft, he's spot on, they hang up with the angle.
Otherwise it's just rusted on there. The crossbar sits on slight collars that those long screws screw into. Do a little creative prying.