I am going vintage racing and my 66 mustang need to have manual steering. What is the difference between a power steering rack and a manual steering rack? Can I take off the power steering bits (ram, hoses, etc...) and have a stock manual rack, or are the racks different?

 

Manual costs less to begin with and offers more road feel, a good thing for vintage racing. Not sure if removing power supply is acceptable form of manual R&P...ask the manufacturer for their advice.

 

There is more to it than just removing the power assist parts. The center link, idler arm and pitman arm are different. The manual and power boxes are different ratios also. Considering you are racing, you would be safer converting the entire steering system to the proper manual parts.

 

True Coupe, but no such parts in a rack and pinion setup...I thought that was what he was asking about. Your advise about the power assist parts probably applies to R&P also though.

 

Yea, at first I thought he was talking about a power rack too. But then he mentioned the "ram" which only exists on a slave/valve set up.

 

Nope, no rack and pinion allowed. The car has to set up as it raced in the 60's. That means rear drum brakes, stock A Arms and lower control arms, 15" wheels, 289ci, etc..., and yes, manual steering. Guess that means a trip up north to NPD this saturday. OH DARN!!

 

In that case, you need all manual parts. I would recommend a new flaming river gear box (2 ratios available), but used solid parts are good enough for the balance. You probably want a new 'rag joint' also.