Looks like I found a 03-04 Cobra rack...

[Chythar]

I need a new steering rack for my GT anyway, and found this on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...STRK:MEWN:IT&viewitem=&item=120280809619&rd=1

When I get the rack in, is the a way to tell if this is the quick-ratio Cobra rack? Any specific model numbers or other features to look for?

And lastly, if this really IS the quick-ratio rack why didn't any of you beat me to it?! I was surprised the auction had lasted 5 days without anyone snagging it up.

 

[autumn_again]

what is the special deal on the termy racks? i've never heard anything before. but i may need to put a new rack and pinion in the stang, and if this is something i may benifit from anyway, i'll get a 03-04 termy rack then.


what is a quick ratio rack?

is it similar to putting a new rear gear in, where your spinning the tires faster with less work? so your turning the wheel with less work, but the wheel is turning more?

i can't think of a better way to ask it hah.

 

[Chythar]

In this case, it's the reverse of the gears - less turns of the steering wheel to go all the way left or right. It makes the steering more responsive and a better "feel" of the road. The PS pump reduces the effort enough that there isn't any more effort to turn the wheel than a standard rack.

 

[grngt50]

let me know if you need help.........pm me if you lost my number

-James

 

[HISSIN50]

Do you need to do anything special with regard to the pump to accomodate it?

 

[Chythar]

Do you need to do anything special with regard to the pump to accomodate it?

Not from what I've read on here. The rack is a direct swap.

 

[95strokerPSU]

It's a direct swap...nothing else needs to be done. SPR-ZM should be imprinted somewhere on the rack...it's faint but visible on my rack

Prestige is where I got my rack from too (not though eBay though).

 

[Chythar]

It's a direct swap...nothing else needs to be done. SPR-ZM should be imprinted somewhere on the rack...it's faint but visible on my rack

Prestige is where I got my rack from too (not though eBay though).

Perfect, thanks for the info!

 

[WHITE94COBRA]

SPR-ZM is the same number on my 98 cobra steering rack. Does that mean mine was changed before I bought it? or are they the same? If its the same i'll be swapping that one over to the 94 ASAP.

It's a direct swap...nothing else needs to be done. SPR-ZM should be imprinted somewhere on the rack...it's faint but visible on my rack

Prestige is where I got my rack from too (not though eBay though).

 

[Chythar]

Hmmm. After checking on RockAuto.com for their part numbers, they list the 2003-2004 Cobra rack with the number SPR-ZK (remanufactured, of course). A Google search on SPR-ZM has 0 results, but SPR-ZK has a few sites that list the rack & pinion for the 2003-04 Cobra.

The mystery deepens...

 

[HISSIN50]

Thanks for the insight gents.

Seems like the way to go if funds allow.

 

[95strokerPSU]

Here's the site I referenced a while back and verified it by a couple others, I also called the local dealership...

Chad's 2000 Mustang GT American Racer -- 03 Cobra Steering Rack

SPR-ZM is the code for the 03-04 Cobra Rack

 

[Chythar]

Ah, that website explains it. The SPR-ZK is the 02-04 GT & Mach steering rack. White94Cobra, looks like you'll be swapping your steering rack off your 98 then.

 

[WHITE94COBRA]

SWEET....... I just had it taken off too...

Ah, that website explains it. The SPR-ZK is the 02-04 GT & Mach steering rack. White94Cobra, looks like you'll be swapping your steering rack off your 98 then.

 

[Chythar]

Looks like I get to call up Prestige Mustang. The rack is damaged - they didn't even include any packaging inside the box! I found the ID, SPR-ZM, it's faint on the passenger side of the rack in some sort of "dot" lettering, kinda like the old dot-matrix printers. I filled in the dots with black crayon to make them stand out better:

SPR-ZM ID

Here are two photos of the damaged tie rod:

Photo 1
Photo 2

The rack does NOT patch the photo they gave - this rack has bushings, ans the one in the auction does not. So, how much of a refund should I ask from Prestige Mustang?

 

[Chythar]

Anyone have a tutorial on how to replace the tie rods? One of the boots is ripped, would the parts stores have them?

 

[95strokerPSU]

That's the one thing I didn't like about Prestige...they charged me $50 for shipping handling and then just shipped the rack loose in the box, no packaging.

 

[WHITE94COBRA]

There is a tie rod tool, it looks like a large deep well socket with changeable heads, I changed mine with an impact wrench, then went and had the car realigned. The tie rods are lower tie rods and there cheap, I went ahead and changed both, and got new boots, at first I tried a zip tie to keep the boot on, and in all honesty it worked fine, i did however use a cinch strap after since it tightens much tighter, and is metal. Also make sure to put plenty of good packing grease in there BEFORE zip tying. (I know your not dumb and probably already knew this) I got mobile one synthetic grease from autozone for 8 dollars, so far so good.

Anyone have a tutorial on how to replace the tie rods? One of the boots is ripped, would the parts stores have them?

 

[Chythar]

Just got off the phone with Prestige Mustang, they're sending me a new tie rod and giving me a $25 discount on my next purchase. Good enough for me.