Can an 87-93 steering rack be used in a 96 3.8? Differences..?

[MustangLX-5.0]

I just want to know if I could use a rack and pinion meant for a Foxbody in my 96.I'm asking for 2 reasons.First,while I was at work (Ford Dealer) I went to parts to ask about a steering rack.They only have Remans. No new units.They quoted me $256 for a Ford reman unit.I asked if the rack for the 96 was the same for the 87-93,and sure enough the part numbers matched.

Second reason.I looked in the LRS (50resto) catalog.For 94-95 the LRS PS rack was $299.The 97-98 was $359.That was 15:1 ratio.Now I looked at the 87-93 racks (14.7:1 ratio) and they were $199.Ok so what gives here? Why are 87-93 racks $100 cheaper? When according to Ford,they are the same.I know the ratio was a tad different but probably not even noticable.Could I buy the 87-93 rack and fit that into my 96 no problem?

It's $156 + $60 core charge for a cardone reman unit at Advanced Auto parts.Suggestions ?

 

[Beasty306GT]

i would buy one for your year.....i dont think there the same buy i could be wrong

 

[MAC'n89Blckstng]

It would only work if you convert your steering column to a fox unit (pointless). I just put a SN dash and steering column in my 88 and all the dimensions are the same except the input shaft (correct term?) is splined for the fox rack and the SN rack has like a triangle. Otherwise they are exactly the same. Im using a 98 rack in my 88 and are going to be using the fox inner tie rods.

 

[LiquidGT]

If your were to put a fox rack in a SN95 you would have to change the inner tierods to SN95 units and make a hybrid shaft. Its more practical to just buy the correct rack.

Now putting a SN95 rack into a Fox is supposed to give you better steering feel because it has better valving, MM already makes a hybrid shaft for this.

 

[MustangLX-5.0]

It would only work if you convert your steering column to a fox unit (pointless). I just put a SN dash and steering column in my 88 and all the dimensions are the same except the input shaft (correct term?) is splined for the fox rack and the SN rack has like a triangle. Otherwise they are exactly the same. Im using a 98 rack in my 88 and are going to be using the fox inner tie rods.

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "triangle".You are talking about the hole at the end of the steering shaft that slides onto the steering rack "stud" and clamps down with a bolt? I thought I remember those being the same.See I've changed the steering rack once in my 96 and once in my 92.I just dont recall exactly what the fitting looked like.Thought maybe the "stud" on both had splines or maybe the stud on the 96 was smooth (no splines) but both being perfectly round.

If it's really that much trouble then I'll avoid it.Just trying to save a few bucks and also my inner tie-rod is broken (NO it cant be replaced cause it WONT come off;sure you seen the thread)

Just looking for a quick answer before I head to the parts store.Thanks for the info.

 

[Beasty306GT]

just buy the correct one from the parts store..then u got no issuses..problem solved

 

[jrichker]

If memory serves me correctly, the 96 rack is 3/4" longer on each side to accomodate the wider track of the front wheels.

 

[BK_CAULEY]

If memory serves me correctly, the 96 rack is 3/4" longer on each side to accomodate the wider track of the front wheels.

it is. but i just screwed the tie rods in about that and got it close enoguh then had an alignment done and i was fine. i even used the 96 tie rod ends.

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

Fox tie rods inner and outers on a SN95 rack will work and have to be used to work.

 

[MustangLX-5.0]

I just bought the stock rack.Finished installing it last night.Always takes me a lot longer because there's always something that has to get stuck and requires brute force and a hammer to remove.No issues though.

I finally get what he meant by "triangle".I guess I just didn't pay close enough attention to it the last 2 times.I can surely see the 5.0 steering shaft would've been needed.Not worth it like he said.Too much bs involved.

Now I just gotta readjust the passenger outer tie-rod again.One wheels straight,that sides turned a little in.

Is there a way to adjust the toe-in without removing the outer tierod? Can you adjust it by loosening the jam nut and turning the inner tie-rod with the car off the ground?

One last thing I have to note here.I never understood the two mount bushings included with the new rack.The problem is I can never use those as they aren't the same.This is the second time in 4 1/2 years I've gotten these exact bushings and couldn't ue them.They are one piece bushings with a small metal sleeve inside them.The factory sleeves are twice as long and also wont fit inside these.Nor does the bolt fit snugly..its real loose..hmm.

 

[Beasty306GT]

Your gonna have to get it alligned at a shop or ur gonna ruin ur tires

 

[MustangLX-5.0]

Your gonna have to get it alligned at a shop or ur gonna ruin ur tires

No sh** sherlock.....

No...seriously though.I know your trying to help.And I appreciate it.

I don't care about the front tires right now.They're a used set I pulled off the rack at work.They were allready trashed when I mounted and balanced them.They were useable.That's all that matters.They didn't shake or anything and I just needed something to get me around.Can't argue for free.Besides,Ive still got struts to install so I'll deal with the alignment bs when everythings all on.I just want to set it straight for now.If I gotta knock the outer tie-rods off again...then so be it.Just thought there was an easier method.

And I also wanted to know what the deal with those bushings are.Why they twice packaged bushings that don't fit the factory mounts properly.I just re-used the old ones since I just bought the suckers a year ago.

 

[Beasty306GT]

No sh** sherlock.....

No...seriously though.I know your trying to help.And I appreciate it.

I don't care about the front tires right now.They're a used set I pulled off the rack at work.They were allready trashed when I mounted and balanced them.They were useable.That's all that matters.They didn't shake or anything and I just needed something to get me around.Can't argue for free.Besides,Ive still got struts to install so I'll deal with the alignment bs when everythings all on.I just want to set it straight for now.If I gotta knock the outer tie-rods off again...then so be it.Just thought there was an easier method.

And I also wanted to know what the deal with those bushings are.Why they twice packaged bushings that don't fit the factory mounts properly.I just re-used the old ones since I just bought the suckers a year ago.