Manual Rack....Should I????

[408stroker5.0]

I'm considering converting to a manual steering rack on my 87 GT, to lose some weight and maybe gain a little HP while I'm at it. The only thing is I drive this car on the street ALOT. Anyone running a manual rack on the street often? I have a little more weight on the front as I have a 351 in her although it has aluminum head's which reduces the weight a bit. The battery has been relocated to the trunk so that helps a bit as well and the A/C has been removed. Is it alot harder turning on the street. Is it a pain overall, or should I just keep the P/S on?

Who makes good manual rack's, with the same ratio or close as the rack's out of the factory? Thanx.

 

[04sleeper]

I run a stock manual rack from a 79-81 Mustang. Have been running it for 2 1/2 years now with stock "Pony Wheels" 225-50-16 up front. It's not too bad for every day driving. It takes a little effort in parking lots but no where near like running a short belt bypassing the power steering. I like having less weight and a little more power. Also looks cleaner under the hood without it.
I don't know about having a 351 though? I also have my battery in the trunk and a fiberglass hood with a tubular K-member and A-arms with coil overs. Weight of my car is 3180 with me in it if that helps.
BTW....I still have my A/C

 

[The Shape]

I drove an '82 GT around for a while with the power steering pump bypassed cause the pump locked up. It really wasn't that bad except when trying to get into tight parking spots. I would think though that an actual manual rack would be alot easier to handle than a power one with the pump bypassed.

 

[QDRHRSE]

My wife has a nice rack, too bad its not on her car!!! Just kidding. Don't fear the manual rack. I put one on almost all my cars. It tightens up the steering, saves weight, and gives you power. What else could you ask for.

 

[1blnpny]

How does the rack itself get you more power?

 

[QDRHRSE]

1blnpny has seen my wifes rack!!!! Just kidding. He's just being an ass. You gain power by not having to turn a power steering pump.

"1blnpony sucks ass!"

 

[D347643]

not to hijack the thread but i just picked up a manual rack from a 79-82 stang and i was wondering what you need to dif to bolt it up? Tthe length of the thread on the each racks rods look dif lengths?

thanks for any info.

Drew

 

[QDRHRSE]

Drew,

I think that will work. If so, you probably need different tie rod ends. Try a search. Also, there is a good websight called "Fletch's Carbed Mustangs Forum" and they were putting togethter some info on that- they weren't done last time I checked but you never know. Do a search using google, just type in "Carbed Mustangs" and the Page is usually one of the first ones to show up. Hope I helped at least a little.

 

[Qwk88LX]

I have the Flaming River quick-ratio manual steering rack, & I like it way better than when I had power steering. It was a little hard to turn from a stop until I put skinnies on, now I can easily turn it with one hand Plus it feels really responsive & much more stable at high speeds, not jerky like it did with power steering..& my engine bay looks much cleaner without the power steering pump & a/c

<---now thats a nice rack!!!

 

[Boss 351]

Going with a manual rack here too I drove around a 69 Cougar with a 351 with a manual steering box and it wasn't that bad! I'm building a car for the non-wussie type driver

 

[65ShelbyClone]

Do the '79-81 manual racks have the same ratio as a power one like on my car? Mine is leaking pretty bad and I need to do something about it.