1995 Mercury Station Wagon Steering Rack

I just bought this car. I had a mechanic check the front end. He said that I needed a power steering rack because it had play. It seemed OK to me, maybe a little loose. My question is: Do I need to replace the whole steering rack, or could it be possible that I may only have to replace a component? Also, is the 3.0 motor in the 95 Sable the same as the one made by Nissan that is in the Villager? (I have a Sable Wagon).
I am a senior, can't afford a lot of money for repairs.

Thank you.

PS: I already donated before I registered, see my note about Sable on Paypal submission.