I may be able to put a power rack on my car but I don't want to throw the pump on.
If I loop the pressure and return lines properlly and fill the rack with fluid...
How much life does this take away from the rack? That is, how long could I expect to run a power steering rack like this before failure?
Also, REALLY, how much harder IS it to drive the car like this compared to the true rack and pinion steering I already have on the car??
I've done that on several race cars and one street car, and you really can't tell its any different. Steering is a little quicker, but thats all. Life is the same, but how many people drive a Pinto till they wear out the rack. Most go bad because the oil leaks out. Just hook the inlet to the outlet with as mush oil as it will take and enjoy.
Thank you so much for your help dick1172762!
I pulled a complete power rack and pinion with the coupler from the junk yard for $29, hopefully it's fun! :)
Since yall are talking about racks. Other than the area where the hoses go are they the same size? You know, the tube where housing the rack.
Yes, they should be the same size. The mounting points to the subframe are critical, check the distance between the 2 mounting rings and bolts, it should be a standard 16" center to center for Pintos.
Chris
Rag joint is different.
So the tube is the same. So no real gain in room between oilpan in a V8 swap?
I return control of this post back to dave1987. :hypno:
Quote from: dick1172762 on November 04, 2009, 05:32:32 PM
Rag joint is different.
GOOD info. Please, what makes the manual and power rag joints different? I have both, but the manual one is still installed in the car. Is one longer than the other? Or something else? Hope you can tell me, thanks!
Chris
Have no idea. Just been told you needed to have the right rag joint as they were different size. Do a search on here for rag joints.
I'm wondering if someone said you needed a different rag joint because the distance to the universal joint on the steering column to the steering shaft was different. If so, it really isn't. The steering shaft that runs from the wheel to the universal joint that the rag joint is on can expand and contract quite a bit before falling apart. It takes a good deal of effort to pull the shaft apart to expand it, but it can be done.
I have a 74 that originally was manual and I added the power rack with no problems with the rag joint. Bolted right on. I installed a serpentine belt system from a Mustang with the PS pump. I like it and may do the V8 next year and will like it more. Definitely quicker ratio.
Joe
Joe good to hear it operates well. Fred
The rag joint is the same but the adapter that connects the rag joint to the rack is different. The input shaft size on the manual rack verses the power rack is different.
yes, you are right about that. I thought he was just talking about the flexible rag part.
Joe