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Rack and Pinion vs. Stock steering? Recommendations
I have a 65 mustang coupe that I have stripped down/blasted, putting on new panels, doors, fenders, hood, etc.
I am planning on putting in a 5.0 with AOD set up. I want pwr steering, pwr brakes, pwr windows, pwr locks, key less entry, etc. Yea I know
I currently have in boxes in my garage the grab a track pwr steering set up and suspension with GT springs, 4 1/2 mid eye for rear, upgraded to edelbrock shocks, etc. I also have 09 Mustang GT disc brakes front and back with Mustang Steve's conversion set up to fit this car and stock steering suspension.... that being said.....
Since the car is stripped down.... should I go for a rack an pinion set up versus a stock steering? I have heard the rack and pinion set ups do NOT have the turn radius the stock does? Is this true?
Also, I really wouldn't want to spend over 2,500 for the set up and then I guess I could return all my new stuff. I am really struggling with this and want to make the right decision... please help!!!!!!
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im not sure about R&P but my stock set up functions well but the radius is horrible. my 06 dodge 2500 with 35" tires turns better. there is however a bumpsteer kit that is supposed to improve the stock turning radius by 20% also.
anything to improve the radius will be a plus. I could imagine it being worse
I've been researching this over the past few months, and have come up with some stuff that might help:
- The rack has about 1" of total travel less than the steering box. That will remove 1/2" from each direction and increase the turning radius accordingly. I don't know exactly how much, but I'm guessing that's about a 1/2 turn of the wheel's worth.
- The is a bumpsteer kit that relocates the arm down and forward about 1/2", restoring the turning radius.
- Mosts of the aftermarket systems are based on a GM J-car rack (sunfire, celebrity, etc). Some are modified for the Mustang application, but are still based on a J-car. I've heard of some people using one out of a Taurus, but the same caveats apply.
- If you are one of the unlucky ones without any sort of joint on the steering box, you will have to either cut the steering shaft or buy a new steering column. You're pretty much committed if you cut your steering shaft.
- The Mustang has problems with U-joint angles when retrofitting a rack and with clearing headers.
With all that said, I'm probably going to at least try to fab up a rack from a J-car. My manual box is shot, one of the races on the steering shaft is destroyed, and I don't want to spend $500 on another one (I have the long-shaft version). I can get a rack for about $40 plus a couple hours of my time. I have the serpentine system from a '92 mustang that includes a power steering pump that I'll use.
Well set up OE PS with the proper 4-turn gearbox actually works pretty well. It's reputation for problems comes from people using generic hoses, missing clamps and brackets, etc., basically crappy maintenance.
The only R&P kit that I am aware of which keeps the stock turning radius is the Uni-Steer Power Rack and Pinion kit. They modify the barrel and stops of a J-car rack in order to get a full 7" of rack travel.
Having very carefully studied this whole thing, and gone through the process, it is the only kit I would use (unfortunately it wasn't available when I made the decision, so I used Randall's Rack, which was the best available for the money at the time).
The Pro Motorsports bump steer kit, requires lowering of the car to match the kit. It is not adjustable, and with a R&P, requires the car to be lowered more than is optimal for best handling.
Otherwise, I'd stick with a complete rebuild of the stock system, done by a professional. There was a guy on this site who was well known for quality rebuilds (sorry I can't remember who he is).
Another option is to completely change the entire front suspension (kind of a "throw the baby out with the bathwater" aproach). Check with the guys at CPR, they've done a few installs of the AJE system, which is pretty close to your budget limit. I have no personal experience with this system, and have not read any good or bad long term, or track use reviews.
I say screw the PS. Find yourself a power steering box (which you may already have) that has 16:1 3 3/4 turn (HCC-AW.) Send it off to stangerssite.com to rebuild. Then get yourself a Shelby quick steer kit with a roller idler bearing, and Pro-Motorsports bumpsteer kit. IMO, this will blow most racks out of the water and for a fraction of the price.
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Rack and Pinion vs. Stock steering? Recommendations
