Okay, so decided to do mine, pulled it out, and used https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-gen-archive-72/how-de-power-your-steering-rack-right-way-440198/ this thread by Black 91 NA as well as flying miata to do it...great write ups btw.

I did encounter a snag...and just got past it. It is possible, if the retaining cover (on the bottom covering the pinion nut) gets stuck, and is otherwise unremovable, it is possible to dremel it away, and remove the pinion. You do have to make it completely smooth around the inside though so that you can get a socket on it however...other wise itll hang up. A thin wall would make the job easier...but I used a 6pt 17mm craftsman and it worked just fine.

Then you can go ahead and split the retaining nut from the inside, and remove it that way.

I know it shouldnt have been an issue, but thought if anyone else had ever had it happen that Id pass along the info.