130K mi. Time to rebuild entire front end - rack & pinion too?

Just replaced all tires and shop says needs $90 alignment due to cupping on p-side old front tire. This was same problem last year when another shop wanted to replace the rack & pinion - second opinion shop did alignment only no R & P but problem still there a yr later.
BTW mine is a '94 Z28 with 130k mi and runs/looks great.

I kind'a expect to get the nickle and dime problems untill i replace it all. Have used the PST poly package for the intire front end in the past/other cars. Should i buy a rack & pinion too for install at same time? Most shops want to buy the parts and refuse to install owner bought parts but hey, i can buy an R & P for $130 while most shops $250 and will pocket the core return fee. Most shops gonn'a gouge me on labor anyways so why let them gouge me on the parts too? Last time the dealer charged me $300 for a rebuilt wtr pmp then a bunch more to install.:mad:

So what i'm asking is 130K mi too soon for this? Any better packages out there than PST? Rock Auto ok for R & P ($130)? Am i gonn'a find anyone to install my parts?:confused:

cardo0:rolleyes:

Tire cupping is usually due to a bad shock.

Bad shocks cause cupping and thats what i've been told but my shocks are Bilstiens (SLP's) with only 10K mi. But the toe was bad before last years alingment and a shop then blamed the R & P. Maybe one of the new bilstiens is bad and the alignment is still ok.:confused: Man the ride is soo much better with the bilstiens (<1yr old) but now with the new tires i can feel vibration through the steering wheel even on smooth roads.

Well the tire shop no longer has a mech but said to return within 500mi to check for wear on new tires. The mech shop they recommended doesn't want me to wait while they do an inspection ($20) - but want me to drop off car overnight.:no:

I would like to order parts but need to locate reliable shop first.:shock:
BTW which type of R&P do i have? F41 (2&3/4 turns lock to lock) or FE2 (2&1/4 turns)? Ok, ok i'll get off my but and go start the car.:yuck:

I think i need to slow down here and find the real problem before i go broke making one.:alert:

cardo0