Kenny, even though it's a bit of a trial it is still easier to replace the inner balljoints with the rack in-situ then it is to swap it for another one.
That's my take on it. I've replaced gaiters and pinion valves all in place and I'd hate to swap a rack complete. The only rack I've had out is when the engine had been removed and that was difficult enough
Have you confirmed it is the inner ball joints then? They're easy to check. Jack up so the wheels are clear of the ground, waggle each wheel and look for movement in the rack gaiter concertinas. If they stay still the inners are OK and it'll be the outers that are into trouble. Again, you'll see the pay visually.
Apart from the inners, there is nothing else in the rack that can cause play.
Trouble with swapping an unknown rack is that you cannot be sure if the ram and pinion valve is 100% good. It would be sickening to go to all that trouble and then find the pinion valve is leaky...