Pro vs. Cons of Rack & Pinion

[outlaw 03]

Cost & fab work aside what are the Pros vs. Conns of putting a rack & pinion in a 1972 Cutlass (A-Body same as Chevelle)?

[MrQuick]

With racks.... questionable reliability, proper geometry compromised risk, room for plumbing ground crearence reduction.
A rack system might be lighter.

Vince

[Bryce]

most cons of a OEM style rack go away if you use a woodward rack. One of the nicest in the industry.

Making your own brackets would be the hard part. setting up to get the correct geometry might be hard for some.

[Bjkadron]

*GASP!!!!* Note to self.. if it looks really cool never look at the price.

Those are some nice pieces bryce.

[outlaw 03]

So the OEM racks are not worth the effort??? I have a 1995 Mustang rack that I'm thinking of useing. The front end needs to be replaced (tie rods, drag link, idler etc) so the cost of those parts is way more than a rack that's where the idea cam e from. Making brackets are not a problem I'm a fabricator by trade & I have built a few Circle track cars. But the rule do not allow racks so I've never jacked with them. Other than getting the gemetery (bump steer etc) right is there a reason it's a bad idea?

[silver69camaro]

Racks are a hands down winner over steering boxes, but the problem is packaging one in your vehicle...I'd avoid it.

I have a Woodward rack on my Camaro and it truely is worth the price.

[Bryce]

If you plan on using stock steering arms and spindles it is hard to find a rack with the same travel as the stock box. Biggest issue with off the shelf racks.

A power rack can have more road feel than a power box.

Benjamin, The manual woodward rack is not that expensive. I am currently pondering the idea of going front steer with a manual woodward rack. I just need to find a spindle that works with a removable steering arm so I can make my own and get the correct geometry.

[outlaw 03]

If you plan on using stock steering arms and spindles it is hard to find a rack with the same travel as the stock box. Biggest issue with off the shelf racks.

A power rack can have more road feel than a power box.

Benjamin, The manual woodward rack is not that expensive. I am currently pondering the idea of going front steer with a manual woodward rack. I just need to find a spindle that works with a removable steering arm so I can make my own and get the correct geometry.

Ahh looks like some homework is in order Thanks for the input.