I am looking for a power rack and pinion conversion to do on my 66 Fury. Would like to see someone with the conversion and help with phots and details to do my own. Thanks
Joined: Wed Oct 12 2005, 01:10AM
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Posts: 2690
Well to my knowledge there is no system available for our cars...I too would like to do this conversion but you'd have to find a rack capable of the wide track of the C-body plus engineer all the mounting and plumbing etc.
Well if you find something or get one to work please keep us posted.
I have been looking at this for a while and my neighbor had completed a junkyard mock up for his Mustang. The set up is very simple with a bit of welding in mounts and converting tie rods. I was hoping for a bit of advice on components used. I will start on my own this spring just trying to match a rack and pump combo, I want a pump with remote res. And then getting the steering coupler set up. It looks easy on paper,FAMOUS LAST WORDS, but I am working on a budget still of 20 dollars a week for the whole car.
Joined: Wed Oct 12 2005, 01:10AM
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Posts: 2690
Well look in the back of a hot rod type magazine or look for a rack and pinion steering system for a cadillac or other big GM or Ford car. Then contact the customer service or try and ge tthe specs on line and pump pressures etc.
Also you will probably need longer tie rod ends for the wide track.
Joined: Thu Aug 07 2008, 10:33PM
Location: In the Garage
Posts: 55
The 2003 and newer Crown Victoria's have rack and pinion steering. I have no idea about adapting one of these to any C-body though.
One of the significant problems with the C-body cars is the long steering arms. The longer the steering arm, the slower the steering ratio. If you look at the Crown Vic's rack, be sure to measure the length of the steering arms on the car as well.
I've looked at several Mopar options for shorter steering arms, but have not found anything that will bolt onto a 1965 - 73 C-body. For what it's worth, the 74+ C-bodies use the same ball joints as the 1980's Dodge 2wd pick-up trucks. (and probably Vans) So, the late C-body guys may have more options for quick ratio steering.
If you were to attempt this type of conversion a certain amount of engineering is necessary. The location of the rack will affect the design features of the steering system. (perhaps the bump steer, ackerman angles and other things I don't understand!) A conversion like this is certainly possible, but it will require some knowledge to achieve a safe driving / handling car.
Edit: For what it's worth, I think that some of the newer SUV's have also gone to rack & pinion steering.... but which one(s) completely escapes me. <span class='smallblacktext'>[ Edited Mon Dec 29 2008, 11:28AM ]</span>
It is very easy to adapt a R&P set up to the c body cars.First you measure the distance of the bolts for the lower control arm,the distance from center to center.Lets say its 24 inches,C/C.You then find a rack&pinion that measures the same distance from the pivot piont of the inner tie rods,remove the boots to measure this.When you have the rack,then its a matter of just locating the R&P in the the right height and location,this area is the origanal center link,and you check for clearance of oil and any other items.Its then a matter of fabing brackets,plates,mounting holes to do some fitting.Selecting a proper location for the steering column is time comsuming,as a new column or cutting of the frame,and other items could be done to fit the R&P in.Flaming river products can help in this area.Remember that,the P/S box,lines and all the tie rods,center link ,pitman arm and idle are gone,and alot of open area will be available to make brackets to mount to.The three bolts for the P/S box can be use and the hole from the idler arm can be permanent locations for mounting,or a new C shaped bracket welded to the frame at three pionts.These are some ideas to look into,mrmopartech <span class='smallblacktext'>[ Edited Thu Jan 01 2009, 10:07PM ]</span>
Joined: Wed Oct 12 2005, 01:10AM
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Posts: 2690
Mrmopartech wrote ... It is very easy to adapt a R&P set up to the c body cars.First you measure the distance of the bolts for the lower control arm,the distance from center to center.Lets say its 24 inches,C/C.You then find a rack&pinion that measures the same distance from the pivot piont of the inner tie rods,remove the boots to measure this.When you have the rack,then its a matter of just locating the R&P in the the right height and location,this area is the origanal center link,and you check for clearance of oil and any other items.Its then a matter of fabing brackets,plates,mounting holes to do some fitting.Selecting a proper location for the steering column is time comsuming,as a new column or cutting of the frame,and other items could be done to fit the R&P in.Flaming river products can help in this area.Remember that,the P/S box,lines and all the tie rods,center link ,pitman arm and idle are gone,and alot of open area will be available to make brackets to mount to.The three bolts for the P/S box can be use and the hole from the idler arm can be permanent locations for mounting,or a new C shaped bracket welded to the frame at three pionts.These are some ideas to look into,mrmopartech