View Full Version : Rack & Pinion...who has it...you like it??
Considering a power rack and pinion for my 72 Camaro. Curious who here has installed one and if your glad that you did.
I have an AGR 12:1 now but the car still wanders around a little bit going down the road.Thought a rack would eliminate that.
dontlifttoshift
05-12-2015, 05:26 AM
If the car wanders, you need an alignment or you have loose or worn out parts in the suspension. A rack will not cure that.
CampbellshotrodsAZ
05-12-2015, 08:06 AM
^This. It seems before like over a decade, a rack was the all important thing everyone had to do. Now that I've been on here more, it seems like there's less emphasis on a conversion, with many companies running just a newer style box. I know once MCB is able to get more DSE boxes ordered, I'll be on that list.
yellow1098Greg
05-12-2015, 12:37 PM
I also wondered the difference in real world feel between a rack and the newer boxes as well.
If the car wanders, you need an alignment or you have loose or worn out parts in the suspension. A rack will not cure that.
car was just aligned and all Moog front end parts have less than 2000 miles on them. Wander is probably not the right term..steering just has some slop in the wheel in the center position.
^This. It seems before like over a decade, a rack was the all important thing everyone had to do. Now that I've been on here more, it seems like there's less emphasis on a conversion, with many companies running just a newer style box. I know once MCB is able to get more DSE boxes ordered, I'll be on that list.
I am going to go with the Detroit Speed 600 steering box...After talking to them today I feel that is the way to go. Probably be September till them have them though.
kochevy67
05-12-2015, 02:11 PM
I have a rack on my Chevelle, I am not very impressed with it either. I probably will switch to a DSE box or something similar.
CampbellshotrodsAZ
05-12-2015, 02:19 PM
It's September now on the box? Dang, last I heard it was July. Oh well, at least I don't actually need it for a long time.
It's September now on the box? Dang, last I heard it was July. Oh well, at least I don't actually need it for a long time.
yep they told me late August they should start coming in but there is already some back orders to fill. Looks like this will be a winter project for me :)
MuscleRodz
05-12-2015, 06:25 PM
Definitely don't go rack. The way they are mounted is not ideal IMO. Since DSE boxes are so far out, check your AGR box for slack in the gearbox and check your alignment. If you have stock alignment a litte more aggressive caster and camber can help the wandering and road feel.
BonzoHansen
05-12-2015, 07:43 PM
car was just aligned and all Moog front end parts have less than 2000 miles on them. Wander is probably not the right term..steering just has some slop in the wheel in the center position.
How's the rag joint?
nats68
05-12-2015, 09:12 PM
I have a 1968 Camaro and was dead set on putting a rack in. I changed my mind and had the stock box rebuilt by Lee Mfg.
Put faster ratio gears in and it's very tight and feels great. No wandering at all. Exceeded my expectations.
It didn't hurt that Lee's is local so I didn't have to ship the box.
How's the rag joint?
No rag joint Scott.. I have a polished Flaming River universal joint on there.
another69
05-15-2015, 05:27 PM
Well I am alone here but I love my rack. One of the best parts I bought. To be fair I went from a worn out box to the rack, but I see no downside. As a plus the weight distribution is improved.
mean buzzen half dozen
05-15-2015, 08:26 PM
I wanted more room in my engine compartment, turbo & downpipe was too close to the steering box.
Stock box
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/Img_2413-1.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/user/itsjustasix/media/Downpipe%20SPA%20turbo%20manifold/Img_2413.jpg.html)
Rack installed:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/IMG_8915_zps5173d715-1.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/user/itsjustasix/media/Camaro%20turbo%20engine%20mock%20up/IMG_8915_zps5173d715.jpg.html)
Plus I wanted to loose some weight.
another69
05-16-2015, 04:30 AM
These cars tend to be heavy on the front driver's side anyway, and getting rid of the steering box helps with that. Mine also reinforces the subframe between the lower A arm mounts. The clearance is much better.
pitts64
05-16-2015, 10:22 AM
72 Camaro, no way would I remove that excellent steering gear for a rack... Read the Ron Sutton sticky above, find the king pin inclination and add 1 to 3 degrees more positive caster....
Also, learn how to do your own alignments and how to tune your cars suspension..
I transformed my car by adding 8 degrees positive caster to it... It was a lot of work but well worth it..
David Pozzi
05-16-2015, 11:22 AM
Anyone with a steering box should do a lash adjustment from time to time. Around every 2 years if it's autocrossed & street driven much.
Ok, here is what my steering does.Car drive very straight..no issues. When I am driving and putting no left or right into the wheel all is good, if I turn the wheel to the left there is no play in the steering and get instant feedback in the steering. If I turn the wheel to the right there is quite a bit of freeplay before the steering engages. Any clue what could cause that?
Couple thoughts- this should not be the case on a newest name brand box, but it can be on used but decent OE boxes- if the box is set up "off center", by that I mean everything is assembled so that the steering wheel "should be" off center but someone hacked it in it close enough by playing with the tie rods. You will get looseness. Boxes aren't as tight off center, as on center.
Are you sure your car's alignment isn't pulling/biased one to the right and motion to the left feels better because you are already "tensioned" to that side?
Try to have an experienced builder or alignment shop (find out if there are autocrossers in your area and who aligns their cars even if they are Subaru's or Miatas or whatever!) test drive your car (safely, & with you in the passengers seat!)
drmatera
09-15-2015, 04:25 AM
II have been looking into a rack conversion as well. I have Ridetech front and rear suspension and all new steering parts up front. I'm on my second JGC box and don't like the vagueness either. The car drives straight but if the road pitches ad I need to correct it takes too much input, in either direction. With the great suspension the car now has I think it amplifies the steering issues.
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