'73-87 C10 Rack & Pinion steering conversion story?

[John Gilbert]

I was just at MPMC the SEMA trade convention for the media, and met with Flaming River and learned they have a new rack & pinion conversion for '73-87 C10s. I'm thinking about seeing how close it will come to fitting on my '68 GMC, or maybe my '75 Chevy C10. I'm not sure yet if I'll turn the story into Classic Trucks, or Custom Classic Trucks, but was curious how much interest you guys might have in that story.

Thanks,

John

[STOCKISH]

I cant believe you dont have it posted here already. Shame on you. Also, where's all the pics? I think we are all interested. Thanks

[rustyescott]

need more info plus pics

[suville]

Someone correct me, but I dont think there is enough difference between 67-72 and 73-up that it couldnt be adapted. Only consideration is the cost factor they make very nice stuff but they get a pretty hefty price tag too. I think there are fab guys right here on the site that if enough folks could go together we could get a better deal and keep one of our own workin and feedin their families.

[bigblock73]

John, I would be interesting in seeing this.

[umwtnt]

I believe most of us would have some interest in the story. Everyone is always looking for ways to improve our rides.

[SBTork]

I say put it into CCT. And yes, I am very interested in seeing this!

[glock35ipsc]

Me too! I wanted to put a rack in my 68, and would do it in Fred in a heartbeat if I could.

[STOCKISH]

Mine WIll absolutely have a rack in it at some point. Just a matter of time.

[Damien]

Its is only $3000. They are showing a '72 in the pic too.
http://www.flamingriver.com/index.cf...rod/prd406.htm

[suville]

From that pic it looks like they might be using existing bolt holes for the stock steering box and the idler arm mount holes, interesting but $3000 is out there No doubt in my mind Porterbilt or Lewis Fab and even Captainfab could come up with something comparable for less money. And we'd be supporting "Our guys" the most expensive part of this would be the rack,Malval will build you a rack to your specs. I havent verified if they are still in existence but I once had all their company info.

[Big Port Jimmy 6]

It also includes a cloumn. That makes sense on the earlier trucks but I wouldnt want to change the one in my 87. It fits and works just fine. 3 grand is pricey. Jay

[STOCKISH]

The one in my 07 Silverado would be really close in size. Making mounts and hooking it to the column and spindles is the easy part.

[John Gilbert]

Wow, it didn't occur to me to see if it was up on their website. Gee I hope they don't think that's a picture of a '73-87 C10 it would make me worry about the rest of their research. On the serious side, though I know that the steering rack is one Flaming River manufactured specifically for this kit. I think I'm going to follow up on this story and do it for Custom Classic Trucks, using my '75 C10 Big10 with a 454 in it.

Thanks for the input you guys, I'll keep you posted on when it will appear.

[78 Chevyrado]

I could go for that if they'd not include the column and make an adapter to use the oe column i have now.

[JEM]

Y'know, given how good the Saginaw steering boxes are, and how tunable they are in terms of ratios and assist level/feel, my truck's about the last vehicle I'd think needs a rack-and-pinion conversion...

[SBTork]

Def. keep us posted when you get it going. Also, maybe check and see if they are planning on releasing a kit that does not include the column for the later model trucks. Much appriciated.

[John Gilbert]

Originally Posted by JEM

Y'know, given how good the Saginaw steering boxes are, and how tunable they are in terms of ratios and assist level/feel, my truck's about the last vehicle I'd think needs a rack-and-pinion conversion...

You are right, the Saginaw boxes are very good, and the improved versions like the boxes offered by CPP are incredible. Its hard to imagine if there's room for improvement, but that's what I like about my job is I get to try stuff like this out, and report back... We'll see.

[joe231]

Any idea if this one requires notches in the frame for clearance?
And geometry issues? I would hope they took bump-steer into account when developing the kit.....

[andrewmp6]

Only time you have to notch the frame is if your truck is really low or use airbags.For 3k i could get a c4 dropmember even run coilovers if i wanted with rack and pinion.

[BLE 'BURBAN]

I posted a link to this last summer. Here it is again for any one that's interested

BOLT IN IFS/RACK&PINION

[truckeez]

One guy I know used a dodge dakota -second gen-on a halt ton crossmember-he said the knuckles were in the right spacing.

[knightowl73]

Originally Posted by truckeez

One guy I know used a dodge dakota -second gen-on a halt ton crossmember-he said the knuckles were in the right spacing.

I will have to check into this tommorrow when I go to the local pickapart

Never thought of doing this to a square-body, but I have a buddy thats building a 82 SWB and its already bagged with a pretty nice motor. Hes always looking for something new to do to it, so Ill swing this by him and see if he will let me put him something together while the front fenders are off.

[truckeez]

Originally Posted by knightowl73

I will have to check into this tommorrow when I go to the local pickapart

Never thought of doing this to a square-body, but I have a buddy thats building a 82 SWB and its already bagged with a pretty nice motor. Hes always looking for something new to do to it, so Ill swing this by him and see if he will let me put him something together while the front fenders are off.

Its the easy way to go when notching the crossmember for more drop like the turner enterprises kit from turners in Hemit Ca