R&P vs. pitman/idler setup.

[70 LS1]

What are the pros and cons of a rack and pinion setup vs. a standard pitman/idler arm setup?

[David Pozzi]

A rack is probably a little better IF it is properly installed so there is no bumpsteer and close to proper ackerman steering correction (toe out in turns). This requires the rack to be placed rearward of the outer tie rod ends, not in a straight line with them.

The pitman arm/idler setup can work almost as well, and is allready designed properly (or close to it). There is a new power steering box that has R&P valving and minimal lash, a much easier way to go an close enough to rack and pinion for most people.

[70 LS1]

Thanks, David. Sounds like there are no real benefits to the R&P and not really worth the money in a street cruiser.

I have been looking at the Corvettesteering power steering box as the other alternative, so I may look a little harder into it.

Thanks again.

[Mean 69]

There IS one important advantage to a rack unit over a typical power steering box: weight. But, for the early cars, packaging a rack unit is REALLY tough, and can't be done correctly with the factory style suspension. In fact, most, if not all, of the aftermarket subframes utilizing a rack setup are making some pretty significant steering compromises to the steering function (geometry, integrity, Ackerman, etc). They work, but not as well as folks are generally led to believe. You'll hear the term "bump steer" a lot, which is very important. But, just because you have minimized bump steer in a particular application, doesn't mean the steering is "right," it is a heck of a lot more complex than that.

Stock frame/stock type control arms, I'd HIGHLY recommend a good steering box over a rack.

Mark