Unisteer Rack and Pinion with ATS AFX Uprights

[bmcgauhey]

Hey guys I just purchased my ATS AFX uprights and am looking for input on utilizing the Unisteer rack and pinion conversion. I have a 1969 Camaro with the factory sub frame. I have the Speedtech lower control arms and Speedtech high clearance upper control arms. I also have done the Speedtech chicane kit to the front spring pockets and will be utilizing coil over spring and shock setup. I am undecided which way to go with my steering, either back to the factory drag link setup with quicker steering gear box or switch to modern rack and pinion steering.


Looking for any input on this, especially if someone has direct experience with this same setup. Problems, issues, likes and dislikes. How is the unisteer kit with the ATS AFX Uprights as far as bump steer etc....

Thanks for the input

[dontlifttoshift]

I don't see any sense in buying good parts and then ruining it with crap like the rack and pinion conversion.

Put a good steering box on it and everything will be wonderful.

[MuscleRodz]

Works fine. That is how a Speedtech subframe is setup to work.

[killer69]

I don't see any sense in buying good parts and then ruining it with crap like the rack and pinion conversion.

Put a good steering box on it and everything will be wonderful.

hey Donny
We use the unisteer rack in our sub frame. it is not "CRAP" I have been beating my nova to death, as you may have seen, and there has been NO problems with the rack!!
I agree some of their conversion kits "A Body and second gen Camaro" are maybe not ideal or even recommended we don't sell them. but on the first gen they work well.
the set up the OP has asked about is almost the same as our Track Time Sub frame set up and with our headers that we have that fit the steering shaft and give excellent ground clearance it is a Great set up.

[dontlifttoshift]

I'll take your word for it. My experience with unisteer and other rack conversions has been less than good.

[bmcgauhey]

Blake, I am glad you joined in the conversation as I don't believe that you and I have ever talked. I've done everything with Roger and Jay on ordering my parts. Here is my question to you, do you or have you guys done any actual testing with figurative results on bump steer utilizing your products with the factory type drag link setup and the Unisteer rack and pinion since you sell both? I would like to know those results and I am sure there would be a LOT of other people interested as well given the popularity of your ATS AFX upright/spindles.

I also was wondering on those headers (67-69 camaro, sbc, stock subframe w/ steering gear box) would these be the same headers if using the Unisteer Rack? And will they work with manual trans and Z-bar? How much more for the polished version?

Thanks, Bryan

[killer69]

we have done some measuring of the camber and bump I would have to dig it out again as it has been a while since i have looked at it. there are lots of considerations that come into play when talking about this stuff, ride height caster settings you name it. What type of use are you planning with your car? and what combination options are you considering?
As for the headers the ones we designed that are built by Stainless works fit ONLY with the rack and a 2 joint steering shaft. they will fit the stock sub with the rack as well. if you are using the steering box then I am told the Stainless works headers that they make work, but I have not installed any.

[1jessee]

I have a 69 camaro with Speed Tech subframe which I love, but having major problems with Unisteer Rack. Any suggestions? Blew one out within a few hundred miles and not auto crossing. Now we are auto crossing and blew another one out. Its getting old not haveing my car.

[killer69]

There is something you have done that is NOT correct. I had the same rack on my Nova for 4 years with NO issues. we have been selling the Rack for 6 years now not sure how many but over 400 of them for sure, and the ONLY returns we have had have been due to IMPROPER install. we had one guy trim off the top of the input shaft to help with clearance. ???? that is where the torsion bar attaches, made junk out of the unit. the BIGGEST issue is not reading the instructions and hooking up the lines incorrectly. Not saying that that is the case but with out more detail as to what "blew out" means it is a little hard to help. how did you get the second unit?

[killer69]

Blake, I am glad you joined in the conversation as I don't believe that you and I have ever talked. I've done everything with Roger and Jay on ordering my parts. Here is my question to you, do you or have you guys done any actual testing with figurative results on bump steer utilizing your products with the factory type drag link setup and the Unisteer rack and pinion since you sell both? I would like to know those results and I am sure there would be a LOT of other people interested as well given the popularity of your ATS AFX upright/spindles.

I also was wondering on those headers (67-69 camaro, sbc, stock subframe w/ steering gear box) would these be the same headers if using the Unisteer Rack? And will they work with manual trans and Z-bar? How much more for the polished version?

what info would you like to know specifically?




Thanks, Bryan

on the headers YES OUR header design the rack in the stock sub I don't know if we have ever tried it with the stock steering box.

[another69]

I have nothing but good things to say about the Unisteer rack. I have had it since '07 with about 10,000 miles problem free. I used a pump supplied by Unisteer with the right flow rate. I've always wondered though - is it rebuildable? What rack is it based on?

[ryanleiker]

Anyone have any input or issues on the Unisteer with an LS swap? I've heard that it hits the block somewhere?
My steering box may be going out and I may end up just upgrading to R&P instead of replacing.

[killer69]

Anyone have any input or issues on the Unisteer with an LS swap? I've heard that it hits the block somewhere?
My steering box may be going out and I may end up just upgrading to R&P instead of replacing.

if your using the factory frame stands then YES the banjo bolts will hit the pan rail, you need to move the motor over about 3/4" we have frame stands that do this as well as the adaptor plates and oil pan and headers and