3rd gen F-Body rack and pinion conversion info needed

[HellPhish89]

Based on everything I have found thus far: the 89-97 T-Bird rack is sort of a way to go. I have since found that hotrodders with long steering arms have run into the same travel issues. What was suggested was a 2000+ truck rack as they usually have 7 or more inches of travel.

First question: Would anyone know what specific vehicles came with power steering racks with 7" of travel to each side.

The problem I foresee with the truck racks is sheer size. If they are too long they simply wont fit but maybe theres a smaller truck or even Jeep that has a narrower rack that might fit.

I read somewhere that the Cavalier rack (likely pre 1995) might work but have no clue what the travel of that rack is.

Second question: Anyone know where I could find full specs, including travel, of OEM steering racks?

Frame rail to frame rail: 30 15/16"
LCA pivot to LCA pivot: 19 3/4"
LCA pivot to steering arm pivot ~16"

[Schwartz Performance]

I've always ordered them at auto parts stores and measured myself lol.

[Randy67]

The Cavalier rack (along with most FWD racks) won't work, they are rear steer cars, you need a front steer rack.

[HellPhish89]

I've always ordered them at auto parts stores and measured myself lol.

care to share what racks have what travel? =p

[HellPhish89]

So far I have found a bunch of maybes but still need travel lengths.

[Ducs]

A conventional rack with 7" of travel will be long or wide, whichever way you look at it. Your inner+outer tie rod length will have to be very short in order for the entire thing to fit your car. The short length of the tie rods will have an effect on bump steer.

J body - cavalier - rack, has a potential of working due to 'center' tie rod 'take off' which essentially gives you tie rod length that won't affect bump steer as much.

131620

http://www.classicindustries.com/product/1976/camaro/parts/8011801.html

Have a look at Intrepid rack...

[HellPhish89]

A conventional rack with 7" of travel will be long or wide, whichever way you look at it. Your inner+outer tie rod length will have to be very short in order for the entire thing to fit your car. The short length of the tie rods will have an effect on bump steer.

J body - cavalier - rack, has a potential of working due to 'center' tie rod 'take off' which essentially gives you tie rod length that won't affect bump steer as much.


http://www.classicindustries.com/product/1976/camaro/parts/8011801.html

Have a look at Intrepid rack...

rear steer stuff wont work.

I know what size they would be im just trying to find oem parts that fit that.

97 T-bird rack:
Travel:~6.5"
Input Shaft Dia.:.725"
Mounting Separation: 15.5"
Rack Total Length: 48.5"
Inner Tie Rod Thread Length: 3.625"
Approximate Tie Rod Length: 12.13"?
Turns: 2.75

2001 Silverado:
Travel:
Input Shaft Dia.: .785"
Mounting Separation: 14.875"
Rack Total Length: 50.75"
Inner Tie Rod Thread Length: 2.594
Approximate Tie Rod Length: 10.376"?
Turns: 3.38

2005 Explorer SportTrac:

Travel:
Input Shaft Dia.: .725"
Mounting Separation: 11.25"
Rack Total Length: 44.75"
Inner Tie Rod Thread Length: 2.955"
Approximate Tie Rod Length: 11.3275"?
Turns: 3.25


2008 Explorer Sport Trac:
Travel:
Input Shaft Dia.: .725"
Mounting Separation: 15.25"
Rack Total Length: 50.25"
Inner Tie Rod Thread Length: 2.875"
Approximate Tie Rod Length: 13.83"?
Turns: 3.69

1997 Explorer:
Travel:
Input Shaft Dia.: .725"
Mounting Separation: 11.25"
Rack Total Length: 44.75
Inner Tie Rod Thread Length: 2.5
Approximate Tie Rod Length:

Also the 2002-2015 Sti/WRX racks are an option as well. Problem is finding the travel specs on all these pieces.

[Ducs]

I have the STi rack, travel is about 4 or 4.5", can't remember the exact #. In order to install it on a G body frame - that's what I am working with, but I assume it would be similar to 3rd gen F body, a major surgery would need to take place. If I was working on a 3rd gen F body I would seriously consider an aftermarket k member swap that is steering rack friendly, has all the geometry worked out and really would save you time and hassle in the long run.

[HellPhish89]

I have the STi rack, travel is about 4 or 4.5", can't remember the exact #. In order to install it on a G body frame - that's what I am working with, but I assume it would be similar to 3rd gen F body, a major surgery would need to take place. If I was working on a 3rd gen F body I would seriously consider an aftermarket k member swap that is steering rack friendly, has all the geometry worked out and really would save you time and hassle in the long run.

on the 3rd gen it's not that bad.

[HellPhish89]

1996 Dodge Intrepid:
Travel: 6.995"?
Input Shaft Dia.: .725"
Mounting Separation: 3.750"
Rack Total Length: 34.5"
Inner Tie Rod Thread Length: Stud Center to End (in) 20.50"


Alternate part numbers:
4695756, 4723885, 4755114, 4897712AA, 4897947AA

1995 Dodge Intrepid Rack:
http://webpages.acs.ttu.edu/jikelly/Howdy%20Dude.htm

[HellPhish89]

While researching, I've run into companies that make replacement/upgrade rack and pinion gears for existing units. Anyone do that for domestic cars?

[HellPhish89]

Apparently one of the Taurus racks has the travel and is an ETO rack. Not sure of year/trim level though

[gjestico]

I've been thinking about how to do a rack swap on my mulletmobile. The problem I see is the outer tie rod ends would have to be lowered a bunch, due to the rack centerline being much lower than the original drag link (which has a drop center to go under the oil pan) . You would need a 2-3" bump steer kit. The tie rod would possibly be inside the wheel at that point.

[HellPhish89]

STI Q-Rack is 5.25" of travel.

From what I see, it looks like i could get the rack in the right position.