1967 Rack and Pinion
12-26-2004, 07:44 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 5
1967 Rack and Pinion
Hi, I,m new to MF and I would like to know if anyone has installed one of the after market rack and pinion kits on a Mustang. I have a 1967 GT with a 390. I've had the car since 1969. Due to back pain I converted it to power steering two years ago. I hate it(it wonders all over the road, and it is way too easy). Has anyone coverted a big block car to manual rack and pinion,and how hard does it steer? I would appreciate any input. Thanks, Lorne Fritz
12-27-2004, 01:15 PM
#2
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: ABQ, NM, USA
Posts: 2,593
RE: 1967 Rack and Pinion
I did in my small block with big heads combo. I agree about the powersteering setup, way to flaky. I've got sticky tires and effort is still less than with the old manual setup, but not like power. You'd be amazed at all the friction losses the stock system has compared to R&P. Also, there is no play whatsoever, awesome!
By the way, don't believe the 'bolt in' propoganda you see in the sales literature, unless maybe if you are completely stock.
By the way, don't believe the 'bolt in' propoganda you see in the sales literature, unless maybe if you are completely stock.
12-27-2004, 04:01 PM
#4
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: ABQ, NM, USA
Posts: 2,593
RE: 1967 Rack and Pinion
Depends what you want...
If you want to feel the road, avoid the stock power setup. If you want the wheel to turn easily, use a power setup.
If you want to eliminate play, avoid the stock manual and especially the power setup.
There are power R&P setups that may give you the best of both worlds. I chose a manual R&P because it was supposed to be, and is, easier to turn than the stock manual setup and you feel the road and there is no play. It also weighs less than the stock setup.
If you want to feel the road, avoid the stock power setup. If you want the wheel to turn easily, use a power setup.
If you want to eliminate play, avoid the stock manual and especially the power setup.
There are power R&P setups that may give you the best of both worlds. I chose a manual R&P because it was supposed to be, and is, easier to turn than the stock manual setup and you feel the road and there is no play. It also weighs less than the stock setup.
12-28-2004, 01:51 AM
#7
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 5
RE: 1967 Rack and Pinion
When changing to power steering you can keep the original column and steering box although I think ps equiped cars had a different ratio. The idler arm is different and the tie rod assembly contains what I beleive they call a contro valve. The only other things you would need is a pump and hoses. Lorne Fritz
