2006 Buick Lucerne rack and pinion

put pin in steering column, disconnect pinch bolt at gear disconnect p/s lines remove bolts holding rack in remove wheels, remove rack through lh side of car then transfer tie rod ends to new rack and when completer get aligned. see pics.

What pin?

it's in the first picture if no pin find a drill bit same size otherwise you damage clock spring below steering wheel

Okay, so, do I need to keep the boot over the gear, or is it safe to leave it off?

if you mean the boots that cover the inner tie rod they can be left off for removal but must be back on when installed.

No, the one that covers the pinch bolt, on the column where it connects to the rack.

it should slide out of the way for that.