Upgrading to SN95 steering rack

91GTstroked · Nov 29, 2020

Hello everyone,

I recently purchased a sn95 mustang steering rack. My thoughts are to clean it up, install fox inner and outer tie rods. Also purchase maximum motorsports hybrid steering shaft and aluminum rack bushings.

My question is. Is there a way to test the rack for leaks before installing? Maximum Motorsports recommends if a rack needs a rebuild, have the company TurnOne steering do it. That's 300+ dollars.

I hope this improves the overall feel of the steering. Currently I can turn the steering wheel a lot. Seems like a lot of play before the tires turn. It's currently a reman rack with mm steering shaft.

Thanks.

Mustang5L5 · Nov 29, 2020

I answered your post on the FB tech group earlier today.

what’s the SPR code on the rack?

If you can carefully grab the input of the rack and turn it, you can feel if it’s loose or tight. The rack should move instantly when the pinion does. Usually if it’s an OE Ford rack that’s never been revuilt, they tend to leak well before the rack starts to wear internally.

once you’ve upgraded to an SN95 rack, it’s pretty cheap to grab another one and swap it in. All 99-04 racks are the same according to a post by Jack Hidley. Means a lot of cheap racks out there to pick up.

I know Turn one will rebuild them, but $300 plus shipping costs is pretty high. You can buy 3-4 used racks for that much.

91GTstroked · Nov 29, 2020

Mustang5L5 said:
I answered your post on the FB tech group earlier today.

what’s the SPR code on the rack?

If you can carefully grab the input of the rack and turn it, you can feel if it’s loose or tight. The rack should move instantly when the pinion does. Usually if it’s an OE Ford rack that’s never been revuilt, they tend to leak well before the rack starts to wear internally.

once you’ve upgraded to an SN95 rack, it’s pretty cheap to grab another one and swap it in. All 99-04 racks are the same according to a post by Jack Hidley. Means a lot of cheap racks out there to pick up.

I know Turn one will rebuild them, but $300 plus shipping costs is pretty high. You can buy 3-4 used racks for that much.

So would you just install it? Wouldn't it need an alignment each time?

kiddiccarus · Nov 29, 2020

Yes it will need an alignment after install

Mustang5L5 · Nov 29, 2020

91GTstroked said:
So would you just install it? Wouldn't it need an alignment each time?

yeah, align each time. Missed that little tidbit as I diy my own alignment so I didn’t factor it in

Shakerhood · Nov 29, 2020

Mustang5L5 said:
yeah, align each time. Missed that little tidbit as I diy my own alignment so I didn’t factor it in

I did my own alignment too after doing the Cobra Rack swap.

91GTstroked · Nov 30, 2020

Mustang5L5 said:
yeah, align each time. Missed that little tidbit as I diy my own alignment so I didn’t factor it in

Yeah this is what I thought. I really don't want to keep paying for an alignment.

But I believe I'll be ordering up some parts this week.

MM hybrid steering shaft
MM solid rack bushings and new o rings.

BTW I follow you on svtp forum. My user name is Bdubbs. I may have mentioned that already.

Gearbanger67 · Nov 30, 2020

Is there an advantage to swapping to the later model racks? Or is it just an availability thing?

Mustang5L5 · Nov 30, 2020

Gearbanger67 said:
Is there an advantage to swapping to the later model racks? Or is it just an availability thing?

They steering feel is greatly improved. More feedback, less over-assisted feeling.

The racks are grouped into three main groups. 94-95, 96-98 and 99-04. Each newer generation of rack has more feedback and feel than the previous gen.

Habu135 · Dec 1, 2020

Mustang5L5 said:
They steering feel is greatly improved. More feedback, less over-assisted feeling.

The racks are grouped into three main groups. 94-95, 96-98 and 99-04. Each newer generation of rack has more feedback and feel than the previous gen.

Maximum Motorsports also has an entire section dedicated to explaining the differences between compatible racks and how to tell them apart.

91GTstroked · Dec 1, 2020

Habu135 said:
Maximum Motorsports also has an entire section dedicated to explaining the differences between compatible racks and how to tell them apart.

Yes. But Jack Hidley at maximum motorsports also stated that he hasn't updated information on their website yet. There isn't as much difference in them as we all thought.

91GTstroked · Mar 3, 2021

Turns out my rack I bought off eBay might need a rebuild....

So either I send it in to TurnOne and have them go through it. That's 300 dollars, not including shipping.

Second option: Take my fox rack out, use it as a core and buy one from a parts store.

Third option: I've been looking at this one from LMR. I emailed them asking about who the manufacturer is.

This was there response.

Jason Konieczny (LMR.COM)

Mar 3, 2021, 10:44 AM CST

Hello Brady,

Thank you for contacting LMR!

These steering racks are remanufactured OEM units by a reputable company that we have partnered with. Depending on the core supplies, the remanufacturer may change so it would not be prudent to list since this info is subject to change.

You can rest assured that we will stand behind the products that we offer and, if there are any issues that fall within the warranty, we will 100% have your back!

I hope this information is adequate. Please let me know how else we can help and we will be glad to assist!

Thank You!

Here is the link for the rack.

Mustang Power Steering Rack & Pinion | (99-04) - LMR

Replace your leaking or worn-out steering rack with this high-quality replacement for 1999-2004 Mustangs!

lmr.com

So which route would you guys go? I already have all the other necessary parts to do the swap.

Thanks

Mustang5L5 · Mar 3, 2021

I think I answered this one on FB.

LMR is likely using one of the big name rebuilders, which is most likely Cardone. Would really be no different than if you went to a parts store and bought yourself a rack there. At least you can hand them your fox rack as a core and not have to worry about shipping.

What's the warranty period of the LMR rack vs a parts store rack? I guess I would base my decision on that. If they are the same, there's a advantage of being able to drive to the parts store to turn in a core, or replace a rack under warranty. I guess I would base this decision on who's customer service I value more.

For the turnOne option...i'd only do this if I had a halo rack. IE: a 2000 Cobra R rack, or an OEM 03-04 cobra rack. Not sure a $300 rebuild is warranted on a common GT/V6 rack.

MM still hasn't updated their info on rack "superiority" so i'm hesitant to say a 2004 cobra and V6 rack are the same as there are still credible sources that state the torsion rod is different between the two. Jack only mentions the valving as being the same.

91GTstroked · Mar 3, 2021

Mustang5L5 said:
I think I answered this one on FB.

LMR is likely using one of the big name rebuilders, which is most likely Cardone. Would really be no different than if you went to a parts store and bought yourself a rack there. At least you can hand them your fox rack as a core and not have to worry about shipping.

What's the warranty period of the LMR rack vs a parts store rack? I guess I would base my decision on that. If they are the same, there's a advantage of being able to drive to the parts store to turn in a core, or replace a rack under warranty. I guess I would base this decision on who's customer service I value more.

For the turnOne option...i'd only do this if I had a halo rack. IE: a 2000 Cobra R rack, or an OEM 03-04 cobra rack. Not sure a $300 rebuild is warranted on a common GT/V6 rack.

MM still hasn't updated their info on rack "superiority" so i'm hesitant to say a 2004 cobra and V6 rack are the same as there are still credible sources that state the torsion rod is different between the two. Jack only mentions the valving as being the same.

So I just called all 3 major parts stores. Most of them need to be special ordered. Napa can get one which is made by BBB industries. I've heard mixed reviews on them.

But it might be worth shopping local in case of a defect. Think I'll likely order from them.

Edit:. I just ordered the BBB industries rack through Napa. They offer a limited lifetime warranty vs LMR 2yr/24,000 mile warranty.

And I can get reimbursed for the core at anytime. It could be months before I get to it as the car is in winter storage.

limp · Mar 3, 2021

Are these a bolt in installation?? If not what procedures need to be done to install say a 99-04 rack on a 83?

Mustang5L5 · Mar 3, 2021

limp said:
Are these a bolt in installation?? If not what procedures need to be done to install say a 99-04 rack on a 83?

it is bolt on, but you just need to buy a hybrid steering shaft, and change the tie rod ends

SN95 Steering Rack Upgrade for Fox Mustangs

Steering Shaft Assembly, SN95 Power Steering Rack, 1979-93 Mustang

Rdub6 · Mar 4, 2021

Mustang5L5 said:
it is bolt on, but you just need to buy a hybrid steering shaft, and change the tie rod ends

SN95 Steering Rack Upgrade for Fox Mustangs

Steering Shaft Assembly, SN95 Power Steering Rack, 1979-93 Mustang

Is this upgrade worth the expense?

Habu135 · Mar 4, 2021

Rdub6 said:
Is this upgrade worth the expense?

That depends on your budget and how far you're going with your car. That same good be said for brakes as well. I was lucky to find a '03-'04 Terminator rack. While there is still a small dead zone right in the middle it's a tremendous improvement over stock.

91GTstroked, Welcome to Stangnet. This site is light-years ahead of FB for answers to Fox Body questions.

91GTstroked · Mar 4, 2021

Habu135 said:
That depends on your budget and how far you're going with your car. That same good be said for brakes as well. I was lucky to find a '03-'04 Terminator rack. While there is still a small dead zone right in the middle it's a tremendous improvement over stock.

91GTstroked, Welcome to Stangnet. This site is light-years ahead of FB for answers to Fox Body questions.

Thanks for the welcome. I've been on here for awhile. I definitely rather get input and advice on forums than Facebook.

91GTstroked · Mar 9, 2021

Just picked up my reman from Napa. Hope it works as good as it looks. I like that it's not painted black. Just need to swap out tie rods.

Upgrading to SN95 steering rack

91GTstroked

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Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

91GTstroked

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kiddiccarus

The first widely accepted Tranny

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Shakerhood

91GTstroked

Gearbanger67

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Habu135

91GTstroked

91GTstroked

Mustang Power Steering Rack & Pinion | (99-04) - LMR

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

91GTstroked

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Rdub6

So while I wait to figure out my rear end issues

Habu135

91GTstroked

91GTstroked

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Upgrading to SN95 steering rack

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That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

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The first widely accepted Tranny

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

So while I wait to figure out my rear end issues

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