I'm planning to install a manual rack on my '66 fastback. Since the last time I researched this mod there have been many new additions to the market. I have long tube headers, I understand that this can cause interferance. Can anyone recommend which brand to use and why?

 

just do your research, there are about 10 companies that make good r&p steering kits, even some that have mustang II suspension built in with them

 

i got an email from year one and now they have manual racks in chome or black. black starts at 700 and thats a pretty good deal.

http://yearone.com/serverfiles/fbshopmain2.asp?cat=E

 

Just an FYI, you don't need R&P to have positive steering and not wander down the highway. If you're going to R&P because you think the worm and recirc. ball sucks, then try tightening the sector shaft backlash, lubing balljoints etc, lubing gearbox and all that good stuff, 95% of the "wandering pony" steering problems are a general lack of maintenence in the steering linkage or just old worn parts(our cars are anywhere from 30-40+ years old now). Just letting you know in case you may be spending money needlessly when you think it necessary. If youdo getR&P though, get a kit from a reputable manufacturer, preferably one that has the least amount of modification to install, and from a company that either ain't likely to go out of business or makes their R&P unit using commonly available steering parts, in case you need to replace something later on down the road(you don't want a rack that you can't get parts for). Also, don't get a kit just because it's cheap, an R&P upgrade is a rather large and slightly complicated investment, not to mention important(you don't want steering to fail when you're driving!), so look at quality first and cost second. There are certain areas where you don't want to be cheap, brakes and steering are a couple. A bad carburetor might not make the best power, but bad steering units can kill you, so keep that in mind when you look for a unit.

 

Go with rack and pinion steering ! I have a unisteer manual rack and pinion in my 69 Mach 1 with a 429 big block and shorty headers. Clearances can be tight for the steering shaft on some models of headers but the benefits far outwiegh the problems. My system cost about $875.00 and is a fairly straight forward setup. It is a quality product and there are very few modifications that need to be done. I've been driving mine for about 4 months now and really enjoy driving my car again. The steering is precise and there is NO wander at all. It drives like a new Mustang. There is a reason the car companies have changed over from gearboxes to rack and pinions (Technological advancement). If you plan on keeping the car nearly stock then Ok rebuild the original steering otherwise check out the numerous rack and pinion setups on the market. Good luck !

 

unless you really really want a rack and pinion id go with http://www.cobraautomotive.com/Handling.htm them and http://www.opentrackerracingproducts.com/ both of them make early mustangs handle like a dream with ford desiged parts but heavily reinforced.

 

We converted my son's 66 to rack and pinion as part of the I-6 to V8 swap, the original steering was good and tight, but the steering and handling with the R&P is like night and day..... not even close....

 

Hey folks, thanks for all your input. I guess I should have mentioned that I had rebuilt all of the suspension and steering linkage already.When I did this work I relocated the A arms Shelby style, upgraded the sway bar to 1" and added one to the rear also. The brakes are as good as new as well, it is a true GT with four piston calipers from the factory. The handling improved dramatically, but the old steering gear doesn't do its part, bump steer is the only realproblem at this point and I fear that with the relatively high cost of a rebuild I may be dissappointed with the end result. That is why I'm leaning towards the rack, every other vehicle I drive has one and they track well over all terrain. Thanks again for your wisdom.

 

JMD, which companys equipment did you use?

 

My son and I used the Flaming River manual R&P setup with the column. The instalation was straight forward andeasy.

Since we have installed this setup I have seen some negative remarks about Flaming River. The functionallity is great, but we have not put enough miles on the setup for me make comment on it's durability, however, IMO, it is a well made product.