Rack and pinion steering for a 1959
 

Hi, Im thinking of installing a rack and pinion steering system in my 1959 mostly stock straight axle 3100. As Im getting older it would make it easier for me to drive. I was wonder if anyone on the forum has done this and if they were satisfied. I would be doing this myself.

Re: Rack and pinion steering for a 1959
 

I'm not a fan of the racks mounted on an I beam thing. First you have that much extra unsprung weight to deal with then you have to figure out a slip shaft system for the steering shaft that actually works.

If you are scrounging pieces at a wrecking yard you are probably looking at a front wheel drive rack as most rear wheel drive rigs outside of Jag use a rack that mounts in front of the axle line.

A better option would be one of the power steering conversions using a regular power steering box.

CPP makes a kit that is pretty well bolt on that replaces the stock steering box. https://www.summitracing.com/search/...onversion-kits

This is a thread on here showing that kit installed.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=582258

Re: Rack and pinion steering for a 1959
 

yep, same-same for me as mr48, just buy a system that is engineered for your truck rather than a kinda sorta system that needs a telescopic shaft to connect the rack with the column. not a fan of those simply because they look awkward to start with, they mount on a moving axle so hoses etc are a big wear item in comparison to a static mount on the frame and the column shaft is slipping inside itself and changing angles over every bump. not really a great system when you think about how many bumps there are in the roads. in my opinion those systems look like a cobbled together disaster waiting to happen. just my opinion and not picking on anybody's build or opinion.
the cpp box mounts inside the frame like the original. the system looks like it was a stock option.

I did that on my 59 and used a Heidts kit. Nothing fit properly, and we spent a ton of time trimming and adjusting. Suggest Art Morrison or another provider if you’re buying a kit.
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Re: Rack and pinion steering for a 1959
 

You can buy systems that use a power box that goes in the approximate location as your stock steering box, using a pitman arm and drag link similar to stock. That way you can have the benefits of power steering and nothing additional added on your axle.