Total Control Products Rack Questions??

wickedmach1

New Member
Apr 8, 2003
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Austin, TX
I have a 1970 Mach 1 and want to install a rack and pinion. It looks like TCP has the best bolt in rack. For those who have the rack on there car, how do you like the it? Any issues? I also need to know if I can expect any clearance issues with long tube headers? Thanks for your help.
 
Let see...in order asked...

It is a thing of beauty, you have to pay top dollar but worth it in my opinion.

No "issues" whatsoever, in fact the ease of install is one of the best things about TCP R&Ps. Total definition of "bolt-in", took less than an hour to install and I was in no hurry, took almost as long to remove the factory stuff. Very attractive design and high quality materials.

No clearance problems, in fact my manual rack has more room for headers thant the factory PS stuff it replaced...BY FAR!
 
The installation of the TCP power rack is identical to the manual with the following exceptions.

Steering shaft between u-joints is cut to a shorter length.
Pump is mounted to the driver side cylinder head.
Hydraulic hoses and ends must be custom fit and assembled. (masking tape, cut off wheel, vise)
Drill holes to mount external reservoir.
 
I am thinking the TCP rack looks like a nice future option, for me as well.

Not to hijack the thread, but how does the TCP rack compare to stock steering in ease of turing, and turning radius?

I have manual steering in our car now, but with the big block (FE) I am wondering if even the manual rack will be to tough to turn.
 
67Thunder said:
...how does the TCP rack compare to stock steering in ease of turing, and turning radius?

Rack and pinion offers a more direct transfer of motion/energy in that the steering shaft directly drives the rack gear/shaft and centerlink. If the rack system used the same overall steering ratio as the factory steering box, drag link setup the rack would require less effort to turn. The TCP rack uses a quicker overall ratio which reduces the mechanical advantage at the steering wheel. So effort will be higher but with the benefit of a tighter, quicker responding, steering system that has the ability to transfer road feel to the steering wheel normally lost through multiple pivot points and a slushy worm and sector gear box.

I've heard comments regarding turning radius go both ways. Most customers do not notice any increase in turning radius but some customers do. This could possibly be due to misadjusted tie-rods causing travel to be stopped by the steering stop in one direction and the racks internal stop in the other. Others may realize a difference from worn/bent factory steering stops that allow the OEM steering box to travel further than originally intended by Ford. The racks travel is internally limited to 6-3/8" at the centerlink. Measuring various vehicles showed factory travel anywhere from 6-3/8" to nearly 6-3/4". A properly installed rack should not cause a noticeable difference in turning radius.


67Thunder said:
I have manual steering in our car now, but with the big block (FE) I am wondering if even the manual rack will be to tough to turn.

Power racks outsell the manual versions almost 3:1 overall and about 6:1 in big block applications specifically. We suggest manual racks be used with 'skinny' front tires in big block apps; drag racing or pro street style cars. It can be done but you would be much happier with a power steering system.
 
I have the TCP power rack on my '66.
I am using the stock 87-93 style PS pump.
It causes the rack to make noise, similar to water running through pipes in a house. Note that the noise IS NOT the pump, but it is a result of the pump.
TCP recommends the KRC pump, but there is not one available that fits the stock EFI brackets.
I have modified the pump internals twice, and I am getting close to getting this noise issue controlled.
I am disappointed in the fact that an aftermarket pump is suggested/needed and that is the only knock I have with this product.

Jim