Clunk from front suspension/steering
 

Somehow my '01S with 83k miles developed a clunk in the steering. If I jack up the car I can jostle the right wheel by holding it at 3 o'clock 9 o'clock, but not 12 o'clock 6 o'clock. There is no play on the left wheel. If play was on both sides I would think the rack steering is the culprit. So it seems that the play is coming from whatever joins the tie rod with the rack. Unfortunately, that connection is hidden with the rack boot. To see it means removing the rack. Is the tie rod-to-rack connection a replaceable part? Or, does this mean a new or rblt rack&pinion?

The play is not due to wheel bearing, or strut/hub connection, nor control arms.

You can remove the clamp on the inner end of the boot and push the boot outwards on the tie rod to get a better look. Both inner and outer tie rods can be replaced without removing the rack.
This Tech article at Pelican Parts covers most of the info for replacement..
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/59-SUSPEN-Suspen_Overhaul/59-SUSPEN-Suspen_Overhaul.htm.

I've done it a few times now. Like many things on these cars; find authentic instructions and follow them, don't rush or try to take short cuts until you have done it a couple times.

If you have a manual you can find useful info such as tie rod to rack torque is 80 Nm/59 Ft and tie rod to wheel carrier is 50/37

The 986 Bentley Manual is often available used here on the forum or other popular book sources: https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/PELPB04.htm?pn=PEL-PB04&q=bentley%20986

Nailed it! Thank you!

Plot complication: the clunk actually comes from the rack. I wonder what's up. Maybe the car took a curb shot in the distant past. I can hear it while driving but it is minor. I think I'll button things back up and wait&see.