Rack & Pinion Steering for our Mavericks/Comets?

X2!

 

Awww... you beat me too it. I was looking at these last year after I read an article about someone doing this exact thing in a 71 Corvette. Reman racks are available for next to nothing. I looked in a few yards last summer but all the ones I found were rusted and on the verge of failure. Kudos though for getting it done. Looks great. You could probably sell a kit with the brackets for a few bucks like some people do with trans mounts and the like for those that don't have the fabrication tools or abilities.

Here's a link to some units. http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?carcode=1317043&parttype=7388

I hear the GrandAm GT had a better ratio. Something like 2.5 turns lock to lock. The other reason the center mount tie rods are nice is the plate you use to attach them can have any configuration you want so you can place the tie rods in the ideal location for any car you put them on.

 

I vote this, Maverick/Comet innovation of the year!!! I want to build mine now!!! Right now!!! I'm going to run around my back yard waving my hands in the air!!!

 

Thats funny stuff, Dave!!!!!

 

Very cool!


And to think... I was just going to drop the 600 bucks on a borgeson integral power steering gear...

 

This is a major breakthrough for Mav enthusiasts! Finally, a r.&p. setup that's affordable and do-able by the average Joe! I hope that you are able and willing to post a detailed "how-to" with pics so that the rest of us (particularly the less mechanically-gifted) are able to take advantage of this "large step for mankind"! Thanks for taking all the risks. John B

 

Does anyone actually know that there is an aftermarket rack and pinion kit that works ford our Mavericks? i mean because I think the RRS kit didn't clear any headers on LHD models, or something like that, I don't think they are even listing it anymore. I live in Brazil, and because RWD cars here aren't common, let alone V8's, not many people have the skill to mess with them, me included. If there was a bolt in kit, i would really appreciate knowing it, because after some alterations, the original steering is the weak link in my car, and depending on price, of course, kkkk, I am really interested. So if anyone has had good experience with any kits, i would be glad to hear. Thanks.

 

Check w/ this company - They claim they have a setup for our cars.
I don't think there is a strictly bolt-in-kit on the market.
http://rcmotorsportsinc.com/

 

their...RC-107 kit...is the one in my mav.
weld in the crossmember...take the rest out of the boxes and bolt them on...

......

 

Thanks a lot for the reply. I took a look, but it seems that their kit is a Mustang II front end conversion, correct? How did you like yours? I have already invested in a Global West front coil over and big Wilwood brakes, so I am kind of stuck with the original shock towers, only notched it to stuff a 427ci stroked 351W block in there. Did you thing the Mustang II conversion was worth it? And anybody else any ideas on a rack and pinion system? Thanks a lot for the help guys. Very few people have these cars in Brazil, and no one really has the experience to help. When they modify their V8 it is strictly for drag racing. Thanks.

 

im gonna so do this....

man im doing my research now

 

55crownvic,
Any chance of getting more details on this conversion? A full tech article, patterns and more pics sure would be appreciated. Thanks. John B

 

nothing...Mustang II... about it.
I did the...cone course...at the Gathering and it was a blast...

what i like about the...RC-107 kit...everything from bearing cap to bearing cap came in the kit. including... new: crossmember w/motor mount stands installed...spindles...upper/lower A-arms...slotted rotors...wheel bearings...calipers w/brackets...pads...brake lines...steering shaft...steering u-joints...coilover shocks w/mounting hardware...sway bar and mounting kit...rack w/mounting hardware...inner fender covers...etc...etc.
as noted...another nice thing about this kit...not only are all the parts here but all of them come with...mounting hardware...

my...writeup...would be like this...

"weld in the crossmember...take the rest out of the boxes and bolt them on"...

to me...there is no cheaper way to do it...just buying fewer parts...

if you want to loose the shock towers...this is the way to go...

...Frank...:Handshake

 

That's a nice setup Frank. I like it.

1.) Do u have the pw steer setup?
2.) Is the turning radius much different frm the stock setup?
3.) Was instructions w/ the setup well written/illustrated?

 

Put me in the game coach. I'm ready. I'm tryn to do the swap as well.