Manual Rack vs Power Rack???
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Senior User
Joined: May 2006
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From: Central Coast, California
Manual Rack vs Power Rack???
Okay guys my 1951 F1 has a mustang II setup and I am replacing the Buick motor with a 5.0 and C4. It has power steering with assistance from a chevy pump. How bad is the manual steering setup.... I thinking about a new rack and was wondering the pros and cons of going with a manual rack....
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
I had a manual rack on my street rod, mustang II, changed it to power with chevy pump. The difference I saw was less road vibration up to the steering wheel with power. Easy to parllel park with power. More space used up with pump and hoses and more flued leaks as mine was a used unit . Steering is allmost to quick in a light weight street rod. A truck it may be better . Would I go power again? Yes. The manual steered easy, but not as sensitive as you turn, and maybe safer in a light vehical.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
What is wrong with the rack you have? Was your pump from a vehicle that uses R&P steering? The Mustang R&P requires a lower pressure than a recirculating ball steering box. If you use a pump from a RB box with a R&P the steering may feel too quick and sensitive. If that's your problem, you could switch pumps to a lower pressure R&P pump (and possibly stop your leaking problems at the same time) or put an adjustable PS pressure regulator in the line. You say your steering was used, does that mean you have an OEM mustang II IFS in your truck? Does it have a lower control arm with a single pivot and a strut going back to a bracket on the frame?
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
What is wrong with the rack you have? Was your pump from a vehicle that uses R&P steering? The Mustang R&P requires a lower pressure than a recirculating ball steering box. If you use a pump from a RB box with a R&P the steering may feel too quick and sensitive. If that's your problem, you could switch pumps to a lower pressure R&P pump (and possibly stop your leaking problems at the same time) or put an adjustable PS pressure regulator in the line. You say your steering was used, does that mean you have an OEM mustang II IFS in your truck? Does it have a lower control arm with a single pivot and a strut going back to a bracket on the frame?
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
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I have had Power and Manual on my '56 with Chevy pump + Heidt's Flow Control Valve. The Power Rack has an extremely quick ratio whereas the Manual has a more forgiving ratio. I have a good amount of caster in my setup as a lot of people do. With the Power being quick ratio + Chevy pump; I found that it was twitchy at highways speeds to the point where you better be watching what you were doing all of the time. If I cranked down on the Heidt's flow; then it was like having nearly no PS when stopped. I switched to Manual and , altho it is somewhat "heavy' when stopped, I like it a lot better on the highway....it handles very well.
You may be ok with the Ford pump as they are suppose to be properly pressured and may make a difference.
You may be ok with the Ford pump as they are suppose to be properly pressured and may make a difference.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
I have had Power and Manual on my '56 with Chevy pump + Heidt's Flow Control Valve. The Power Rack has an extremely quick ratio whereas the Manual has a more forgiving ratio. I have a good amount of caster in my setup as a lot of people do. With the Power being quick ratio + Chevy pump; I found that it was twitchy at highways speeds to the point where you better be watching what you were doing all of the time. If I cranked down on the Heidt's flow; then it was like having nearly no PS when stopped. I switched to Manual and , altho it is somewhat "heavy' when stopped, I like it a lot better on the highway....it handles very well.
You may be ok with the Ford pump as they are suppose to be properly pressured and may make a difference.
You may be ok with the Ford pump as they are suppose to be properly pressured and may make a difference.
I Experience the exact same things,with the flow valve you discribed. I thought my car was just to light in front,34 chev with v/6 engine. I may just go back to manual. 
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