Rack & pinion upgrade for my 72 c10

[dnd1978]

Could anyone help me with a rack & pinion upgrade for my 72 chevy c10 with a stock cross member. Is there a upgrade kit i can use? How about a list of parts that will work?


Thanks for the help!

[cdowns]

only ones i've seen are with custom crossmembers and suspensiuon // i hope you've got extensive fabrication and engineering skills to tackle this job

[neonlarry]

IIRC a Thunderbird rack is what a lot of people use. But like cdowns said I hope you have good fab skills.

[BarryB]

Yes It's definitely a task to install on a stock crossmember. I'm going to attempt it on mine. Once I start I'll need to finish it off. I have a power rack from a Mustang I used to own Long time ago. I bought it new in 95 and never put it on the car.
There are a couple of guys on here that has already done this swap. You might do a search to see what comes up. I know for a fact someone in the 55-?? forum did it, he used a front crossmember from a 67-72 truck and installed R/P steering on it. He was nice enough that he sent a cd with all the pics and details from his project to me. I've still got it here somewhere.

[woodwright]

Check out a center steer unit. This ones out of a Dodge intrepid. I think about a 94.

[IMG][/IMG]

The center steers move more than a mustang II, and you can make your inner pivot points be wherever you want to eliminate bump steer. The bar behind the rack is just temporary so I can move it around. Just do your research cause some of the center steers are a rear steer setup so they're backwords.

[dnd1978]

thanks.

Barry B could you send me the pics? Thanks

[Boog]

I have concerns on whether or not the r&p steering units off smaller cars are strong enough for one of our sized trucks to hold up for very long, especially on those running large by wide wheels n tires and a DD too. I don't see the advantage of the r&p design over the conventional power sectors.

[dnd1978]

thanks Clint could you send more pics

[mbgmike]

Originally Posted by Boog

I have concerns on whether or not the r&p steering units off smaller cars are strong enough for one of our sized trucks to hold up for very long, especially on those running large by wide wheels n tires and a DD too. I don't see the advantage of the r&p design over the conventional power sectors.

I tend to agree. Mustang parts and other small car units belong on small cars. Remember people have killed others doing these homemade missed matched parts. I was thinking of doing it using a Sprinter R/P but still thinking about it.
I don't think r&p gets you a whole lot for the cost but one advantage is in bump steer. It get rid of alot of it

[BarryB]

Yes I can, but give me alittle while to find them. Maybe this weekend. PM me to remind me if I forget , which has been known to happen.

[CSGAS]

This thread doesn't look half as old as most that get dragged up...

...that Intrepid rack looks interesting. What pump pressure (regular GM, I hope) does it seem to like?

What rack did you choose, dnd? Progress report?

[truckeez]

Again -Second gen dodge dakota is supposedly got the right inner knuckle spacing in relation to the upper-lower a arm pivot points.

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by Boog

I have concerns on whether or not the r&p steering units off smaller cars are strong enough for one of our sized trucks to hold up for very long, especially on those running large by wide wheels n tires and a DD too.

My 67 stepside shortbed weighs 3100 pounds dry. a 1989-1996 Thunderbird Supercoupe weighs 3600 pounds dry. My truck will never carry anything in the bed and it will never tow anything. Since I'm a quarter ton lighter, I say
"NO PROBLEM"

Of course if you plan on putting a half ton of crap in the bed or pulling a 10 ton trailer with 10% tongue weight you better follow Boog's advice and get a different unit!