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Author Topic: Replacing 1978 rack and pinion  (Read 2491 times)

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Offline nicholas d. poulson

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Replacing 1978 rack and pinion
« on: April 15, 2013, 06:03:15 AM »
I need to replace the rack and pinion in my 1978 Pinto.  I have a 302 V8 and a C4 auto trans in it.  I currently have a power steering unit but it needs to go.  I want to convert to manual.  What do I need?  I saw some offered cheap on Ebay.  What is the mounting hole distance?  16"  or 15 1/2"?  Help.  Thanks, Nick
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Offline D.R.Ball

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Re: Replacing 1978 rack and pinion
« Reply #1 on: April 15, 2013, 09:16:51 PM »
Take a look at your steering rack, it should either have 2 holes or 3 holes for the mounting bolts. Measure between the bolts and that's how you will know the width. (It should I'll check on mine tomorrow). Most of the stuff on EBay has compatibly link to ensure you have the right parts.You can not use the early 1971-1973 racks they are not wide enough.You can also try Rockauto.com.. .Better prices and a far better search engine for parts.
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Offline nicholas d. poulson

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Re: Replacing 1978 rack and pinion
« Reply #2 on: April 17, 2013, 06:03:25 AM »
Thanks!!!!!  Great info.
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Offline D.R.Ball

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Re: Replacing 1978 rack and pinion
« Reply #3 on: April 18, 2013, 10:57:03 PM »
Hey nicholas, did you get the info or do you need me to check my rack ?
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Offline nicholas d. poulson

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Re: Replacing 1978 rack and pinion
« Reply #4 on: April 30, 2013, 10:22:41 AM »
DR,  My car is still in storage.  I live in Michigan.  Cold, rain, even snow this April.  Can you measure yours?  I really appreciate all your help and knowledge.  Thanks, Nicholas
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Offline D.R.Ball

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Re: Replacing 1978 rack and pinion
« Reply #5 on: April 30, 2013, 02:22:27 PM »
Okay, I'll give you the info on Wed. Today is a school night...
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Offline nicholas d. poulson

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Re: Replacing 1978 rack and pinion
« Reply #6 on: May 08, 2013, 03:22:06 PM »
DR:  Did you get the measurement?  I am ready to order the rack and pinion.  Thanks for your help, Nicholas
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Offline nicholas d. poulson

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Re: Replacing 1978 rack and pinion
« Reply #7 on: May 08, 2013, 03:24:04 PM »
D.R.Ball:  I still need the measurements.  Thanks, Nicholas
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Offline OhSix9

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Re: Replacing 1978 rack and pinion
« Reply #8 on: May 08, 2013, 07:58:13 PM »
If you are swapping from power to manual you will also need the rag joint between the steering column and the rack as the splines on the rack end are a different size than on the power unit.
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Modest beginnings start with the single blow of a horn man..    Now when you get through with this thing every dickhead in the world is gonna wanna own it.   Do you know anything at all about the internal combustion engine?

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Offline oldkayaker

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Re: Replacing 1978 rack and pinion
« Reply #9 on: May 09, 2013, 06:12:54 AM »
I have a 79 Pinto manual rack and the mounting bolts measure 16" center line to center line.  I also have 86 Mustang and 87 Turbo Coupe power racks and they both measure 15.5".
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Mustang-II-Power-and-Manual-Rack-and-Pinions,2112.html
They also sell offset bushings to mount the 15.5" rack.
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/T-Bird-Offset-Rack-and-Pinion-Mount-Bushings,51390.html
Have fun.
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Jerry J - Jupiter, Florida
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