CV boot replacement

[Brian Link]

Well after replacing my steering rack last weekend, I noticed the CV
boot is split.  Can the entire axel shaft come out without removing the
lower control arm from the strut housing?  Also the boot kit I picked up
from the dealer has an Allen head axel bolt while the old bolt is a hex
head.  Is this the new thing?

Second, does the preload adjustment bolt on the steering rack affect the
amount of power assist?

Thanks

Brian Link
Boulder, CO