Rack and Pinion

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Sep 16, 2004 | 12:19 AM

Glackowitz

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From: Medford, Oregon

Rack and Pinion

I am looking at installing a MII crossmember kit and parts into my 60 ford truck, does anyone know if a different rack will work? or do I have to use a MII rack? I guess I dont have to, just have to modify a bit. I am looking at a few other racks...BMW, Newer Mustang 79 on, Possible Chrysler 300. Just thoughts, as there seems to be more around than the 74-78 MII and alot less $$$.

Glack

Last edited by Glackowitz; Sep 16, 2004 at 12:22 AM.

Sep 16, 2004 | 05:37 AM

GreatNorthWoods

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From: Littleton, New Hampshire

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glackowitz

Glack,

I think the main thing is to use one that is heavy enough for a truck. If you are willing to fabricate your own mounting brackets, I don't see why you could not use other racks. Be sure that whatever you use is wide enough so you don't have to get into lengthening tie rod ends. Shortening them is not a big deal, however, and of course the tie rod end must fit the steering knuckle. On a Mustang II suspension I had on a previous project, I used an 80s Dodge Aries manual rack and pinion, but the crossmember was already modified to accept that particular rack. Even then, the metric Chrysler tie rod ends had to be replaced with Ford ends.

Vern

Sep 16, 2004 | 06:33 AM

ke6bnl

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From: Agua Dulce, So. Calif.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glackowitz

My mustang II rackandpinnon on my 50 F1 is from a 84 thunderbird power steering. Ed ke6bnl

Sep 16, 2004 | 08:10 AM

Glackowitz

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From: Medford, Oregon

Thanks for the info Guys, I think the yards here figured out MII rack are becoming popular and they jacked the prices. I will see what is out in the yard for a ford and do some measuring. I am sure I will need to lengthen the rack, not a biggie I dont think, just as long as I put the sme amount in each side.

Glack

Sep 16, 2004 | 12:39 PM

ke6bnl

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From: Agua Dulce, So. Calif.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glackowitz

My rack came with rack extenders Made for the 50 f1 install, the lengthening had to be at the fixed part of the rack not the arms extending from the rack so that you do not get bump steer and I can say that my truck seems great and handles like a sports car with it lowered in front and the wide tire on the front and rear 17" rims. Ed ke6bnl I never drove a sports car but my boy has driven the neighbor BMW and says it handles like it. Ed ke6bnl

Sep 16, 2004 | 06:54 PM

PJS55

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From: Blenheim, Ontario, Canada

The rack from a fox body Mustang may do the trick, but I agree with ED, the centers of the pivot at the inner end of the rack need to be the right distance apart to keep the correct steering geometry. I believe that the MII conversion for the 53-56 requires a 2" hard extention each side or 4" one side to an MII rack but I'm not sure if the same dimensions apply to the F1's. Maybe Ed (sorry to possibly make work for you, Ed) would be kind enough to give you that center to center distance and that would give you something to look for or modify to.

Regards, John