Converting to manual steering?
09-14-2009, 10:46 AM
#1
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Illinois
Posts: 422
Converting to manual steering?
Well once i got the tires in for my 3.5" welds i am going to take the power steering off (the pump is shot anyway). Will i HAVE to convert to manual steering rack? If so, why? Also if i do buy a manual steering rack will it drop right in, or what else would i need? Thanks in advance for the help...
09-14-2009, 11:55 AM
#2
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: wa
Posts: 330
i put a flaming river manual rack in a few weeks ago.
it's pretty simple. i don't know why you'd want to keep the power steering rack without the pump. from what i know a power rack without the pump is horrible to drive.
it does take some getting used to when you put in a manual rack, but i love it now.
if you do get a manual rack, you'll need either and adapter for the steering shaft or to buy a new solid steering shaft. i chose option two. huge difference without the rag joint.
you will have to measure and cut the shaft though (the instructions don't mention that), other than that it bolts right in. get the steering wheel centered on the rack (same amount of turns lock to lock) that's not the easiest thing either. align it yourself as best as possible and voi la. drive it to the local alignment shop.
i manged to do it by myself in a day... so not too difficult.
it's pretty simple. i don't know why you'd want to keep the power steering rack without the pump. from what i know a power rack without the pump is horrible to drive.
it does take some getting used to when you put in a manual rack, but i love it now.
if you do get a manual rack, you'll need either and adapter for the steering shaft or to buy a new solid steering shaft. i chose option two. huge difference without the rag joint.
you will have to measure and cut the shaft though (the instructions don't mention that), other than that it bolts right in. get the steering wheel centered on the rack (same amount of turns lock to lock) that's not the easiest thing either. align it yourself as best as possible and voi la. drive it to the local alignment shop.
i manged to do it by myself in a day... so not too difficult.
09-14-2009, 01:22 PM
#3
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Illinois
Posts: 422
i put a flaming river manual rack in a few weeks ago.
it's pretty simple. i don't know why you'd want to keep the power steering rack without the pump. from what i know a power rack without the pump is horrible to drive.
it does take some getting used to when you put in a manual rack, but i love it now.
if you do get a manual rack, you'll need either and adapter for the steering shaft or to buy a new solid steering shaft. i chose option two. huge difference without the rag joint.
you will have to measure and cut the shaft though (the instructions don't mention that), other than that it bolts right in. get the steering wheel centered on the rack (same amount of turns lock to lock) that's not the easiest thing either. align it yourself as best as possible and voi la. drive it to the local alignment shop.
i manged to do it by myself in a day... so not too difficult.
it's pretty simple. i don't know why you'd want to keep the power steering rack without the pump. from what i know a power rack without the pump is horrible to drive.
it does take some getting used to when you put in a manual rack, but i love it now.
if you do get a manual rack, you'll need either and adapter for the steering shaft or to buy a new solid steering shaft. i chose option two. huge difference without the rag joint.
you will have to measure and cut the shaft though (the instructions don't mention that), other than that it bolts right in. get the steering wheel centered on the rack (same amount of turns lock to lock) that's not the easiest thing either. align it yourself as best as possible and voi la. drive it to the local alignment shop.
i manged to do it by myself in a day... so not too difficult.
Cool, i was also looking at a flaming river rack. Where did you get the steering shaft? Link?
09-14-2009, 05:50 PM
#4
6th Gear Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: las vegas, nv
Posts: 9,092
09-16-2009, 09:15 PM
#7
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Arizona
Posts: 4,103
I did that conversion several years ago to my car.
Used Flaming River's complete kit. I did not have to cut anything.
I did the whole thing in one afternoon and I had never done one before.
No specail tools or anything needed.
Saves maybe 30# off the front end..........
Used Flaming River's complete kit. I did not have to cut anything.
I did the whole thing in one afternoon and I had never done one before.
No specail tools or anything needed.
Saves maybe 30# off the front end..........
05-20-2012, 12:59 PM
#9
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: iowa
Posts: 7
Working on my 93 as we speak..... got new tie rod ends witch are 3/4" shorter than the old ones and when i find center on both racks and pull a measure i end up with 1 1/8" treads to screw on to on the drivers side and only 1/2" on the passengers side???? whats up with that
