Steering rack opinions

[AZ 86 GT]

I'm looking to replace the p/s rack on mine as it has developed quite the leak but haven’t decided on whether or not to rebuild the original (kit is available from NAPA), attempt to get one from Ford or go after market. I’m leaning towards this one from Flaming River since it comes with the steering shaft as well:

http://www.flamingriver.com/index.cf...rod/prd223.htm

Has anyone used this rack? Is there any other outfit out there that sells new, non-remanufactured racks? I’m also looking at replacing the pump as well and have only found remanufactured. Any ideas?

Mike

[Chris-90LX]

Mike, the best I can suggest is doing a search on steering racks.

Over the years our regulars have replaced stock units as well as installed modified versions.

I can't elaborate on this too much on this subject.

[solar]

Originally Posted by AZ 86 GT

I’m leaning towards this one from Flaming River since it comes with the steering shaft as well:

For $600 that rack better install itself and never ever fail.

[CobraGT40]

Originally Posted by solar

For $600 that rack better install itself and never ever fail.

600 CLAMS ??? !!!!

Holy Crap ! ! !

I think I might be needing one in the near future ! It doesn't leak...but it feels a bit "spongy"

[AZ 86 GT]

Chris, I have done a few searches and didn't quite find what I was looking for.

For the price, I'm not at all against the Flaming River piece. So far it's the only one that I have found where the rack is new and not rebuilt plus I'd be getting rid of the rag joint. I think I just talked myself into it....

[Chris-90LX]

I would consider a $50 rebuild kit first.

I've never had one of these apart before.

I'd be wondering (besides seals) what would start to quit after years of use.

Keep an eye out on like Ebay too.

Lots of NIB stuff always makes an appearance there.

[RacerX]

I've seen racks for $250.00 quick ratio too. I forget which brand.But were quality products. Will do some more research for you. I currently have a Flaming river on my 86GT buts its the manual quick ratio w/shaft.

[AZ 86 GT]

I might grab the seal kit for grins and giggles. I haven’t torn one apart either but that’s half the fun. I’m not sure what else can wear besides the seals either.

Ford offers a rebuilt rack and pinion with a warranty for around $220 plus core charge. They don’t offer a new one at all. Same goes for the power steering pump.

[hypo-5.0]

I replaced my rack a little over 3 mos ago I purchased a rack from a bone yard for $40.00 and had it inspected, all turned out good, had it installed for $150.00,Not bad at all considering after looking at the job I didnt want too do it myself, then I had too have the car aligned for $45.00, maybe this could be an opption for ya?

[niizhmkwa]

http://www.discountfparts.com/search/
Here has some really nice price's, and free delivery over $50.00 bucks. Check it out niizhmkwa Barry

[Shakerhood]

I am currently undertaking an 04 Cobra Rack Swap into my 1992, it is supposed to be the best feeling Rack you can put into a Fox.

[Augie88GT]

Originally Posted by Shakerhood

I am currently undertaking an 04 Cobra Rack Swap into my 1992, it is supposed to be the best feeling Rack you can put into a Fox.

Hi Shakerhood,

I hope it goes well.

I didn't know that there were people out there who felt that the steering "feel" on a 1987-1993 Mustang GT needed to be improved. From my experience, these cars, right from the factory, have a really great "steering feel" to them. In fact, they are probably among the best of any production car. They are certainly light-years ahead of anything that was built prior to the 1980s.

I remember those old GM products from the 1970s, especially the ones with power steering. They had low-ratio steering, and the steering wheel turned too easily. And the driver received no "feedback" from the road. You couldn't "feel" the road in your hands like you can with a 1987-1993 Mustang.

Even my 1980 Mustang Turbo coupe (which had manual rack and pinion steering) had a really nice "steering feel" to it. It was a vast improvement over my sister's car (a 1977 Chevy Nova with power steering), which is the car I used for my road test back in 1984, when I was 16 years old.

There was only one time that I remember reading a negative review about the steering in third generation Mustangs. Just before the 1993 Mustang SVT Cobra went on sale to the public, someone from an automotive magazine test-drove it and reviewed it. He complained that, when the steering wheel was at or close to the center, it had a "dead" feel to it. I don't know why that was the case. My 1988 Mustang GT has power steering, and the steering wheel certainly doesn't have that issue. I assume that Ford put something different in the steering system in the 1993 Cobra that wasn't in the 1987-1993 GT.

[skunk]

Originally Posted by Shakerhood

I am currently undertaking an 04 Cobra Rack Swap into my 1992, it is supposed to be the best feeling Rack you can put into a Fox.

. Nice mod. I haven't seen this done in awhile but a worthy mod for sure.

The 03/04 cobra rack is very precise.. lucky you found a true one . The feel is leaps and bounds better than the fox heck the SN95 rack is better but still doesn't compare to the cobra.




.

[Shakerhood]

I will try and take a few pics along the way but its kinda hard as there is not really too much to see. So far the most difficult thing was getting the bolt out of the steering shaft up under the brake booster. I will let you guys know how it feels when its all finished up.

[FISHTAIL]

Not much to the swap really, I just did mine also. Be sure to use the fox inner tie rods (the cobra inners are not only to long, but the wrong thread pitch). I also used the MM steering shaft to adapt it.

I know where another rack can be had at a decent price, but the car it is in was hit on the passenger front wheel bad enough to destroy the rim. I was going to buy that rack as a backup, but felt it wasn't worth the risk since for me, it would be sitting for hopefully a good long time before install..so any problems wouldn't be discovered until years down the road.

But yes, the feel is better, and for me, the limiters are a nice bonus. I'm running 03 cobra wheels (from my old 03 cobra) on my fox, and they would hit the LCA's with the stock rack. Not anymore .