To Mod or Not To Mod

[jikelly]

So if you have been hanging around here a while you probable remember the really long thread about doing a rack and pinion install on a 71-73 mustang. So, I was one of the guys considering the swap and now that it is summer time and I have both time and almost enough money I am thinking about the swap again.

Here is my question. Should I go ahead with the swap and replace my factory designed and profesionally enginered steering system with something I rigged up?

Or

Should I try and get someone to rebuild my old box (not sure if flaming river does my year, but don't know why they couldn't) and replace all my steering components which have probable 60,000 miles on them?

I really wanted to do the rack install, but I also want to run my car at solo events so my steering has to be more than adaquate for the street. I'm not sure the J-rack is up to the forces my heavy car will place upon it. Anyway, let me know what you think.

 

[Gud T.B. Blown]

Should I try and get someone to rebuild my old box (not sure if flaming river does my year, but don't know why they couldn't) and replace all my steering components which have probable 60,000 miles on them?

.

there was a thread about a company/guy in the south that rebuilds the saginaws for @$300 if i remember correctly. try a thread search, when i go home tonight i'll post the link.

 

[HHStang]

The stock 71-73 stuff really isn't that bad (compared to early Stangs, Torinos). Why do you want to replace?

 

[bnickel]

IIRC the 71-73 boxes can be rebuilt with vette internals since it is pretty much a saginaw box anyway

 

[Gud T.B. Blown]

here is a link with some options on rebuilding the steering box.
http://www.network54.com/Forum/thread?forumid=119419&messageid=1111983951

 

[jikelly]

The stock 71-73 stuff really isn't that bad (compared to early Stangs, Torinos). Why do you want to replace?

I like the feel of the rack and pinion steering systems. They feel pretty good compared to steering boxes. Plus I might be able to shave a little weight off the front end of my stang. But, with that said, if I can improve the feel of the old system I'll be happy. Especially if I can get rid of the road walk.

Thanks for all the replys. Sorry it took me so long to respond. I was out of town this last week.

 

[mdjay]

Philosophically speaking!

There is no question!

For the steering issue, it's not needed as much on the 71-73 cars...

 

[Gud T.B. Blown]

if you decide to proceed please keep us posted. that is one of the many future projects for my car also.