I'm new to this forum and am looking for some information and experience with bolt on rack and pinion steering systems. I have a 68 fastback with a flaming river steering box. My front end has been completely rebuilt but I'm not satisfied with the handling. It still tends to drift on the road a bit, and is not comfortable at all at 80 or 90 mph. I don't drive that fast often, but if I'm out on a country road I will occasionally run it up there. My question is, how do the bolt on rack and pinion systems, such as Total Control, measure up. Are they worth the money ? Would I see noticeable handling improvements ? I have manual steering now, and would probably stay with manual if I went to the rack. Would the power rack give me better handling than manual ? The kits are pretty pricey,but I'd pay if I could get the improvement I'd like. I would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who has used this brand, or any other bolt on racks, and how it affected your cars handling.</P>


Thanks Mike</P>


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I know a guy that used the rack off of a tempo and it works fine he got it at a junk yard for 15 bucks. It is power and thats what i would go with if i were you<edited><editID>1966 Mustang15</editID><editDate>38010.7575925926</editDate></edited>

 

Mike,
You now have another option. We carry an early model rack and pinon kit made by Flaming River for your early model Mustang. The kits are a direct bolt in unit and are priced and perform better than Total Control's Setup.

You can see more info on our website.


www.gpistang.comGPI Mustang Supply770-277-1964

 

I'm not real happy with the Total Control folks right now... asked about returning a new, unused item... they won't return calls, e-mail doesn't seem to work, they not getting a good read from me...</P>


mardyn</P>


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I have heard that a lot of folks are having trouble with TCP. I also heard that they were bought out my Mustangs Plus too

 

How is your alignment?

 

Alignment was my biggest problem. Just got it fixed yesterday. Caster and camber were off the charts. Drives like a different car. I would still like to know if the bolt on racks steer as easily as they are advertized. Flaming river says their manual feels like power. For now I'll just enjoy my new handling.

 

The current issue of Mustangs and Fords shows the new Flaming River unit being bolted in, no welding, no modding. It looks like a winner.

 

I road race my 70 Mach1 (only 2 events a year), with stock steering. It handles like a champ.
If yours doesn't then there are in-expensive improvements you can make to the existing set-up.
1) install a 1 peice export brace, everybody make one version or another, and they really help stiffen up the front end and reduce steering lag time & body roll.
2) install a 1 1/8" front sway bar, this baby will keep her flat in hard turns, the diffeence will impress you.
3) get rid of rubber bushings in front suspension and replace with polygraphite or something along those lines. This will tighten up the handling and increase steering input response. The black rubber is old technology and is junk in so far as handling goes.
4) Put a rebuild kit into the Power Steering Control Valve. Most people run out & buy a new Flaming River Steering Box and are pissed-off when it doesn't make any improvement. this is because the problem typically is not in the Steering Box, but in all the wear in the Power Steering vlave. The kit cast $30 and makes a huge difference in steering play reduction if done correctly.
5) A Monte Carlo bar further stiffens the front end up and they are only $49
6) install decent Gas shocks like KYB's or Tokico's, etc.