I believe I need a new rack for my 1973 wagon. It has quite a bit of free play where the tie rod arms enter the housing. I figured that I would just get a Flaming River unit and be done with it, until I noticed that it (and all other aftermarket units) is for a 71-72. After looking over my manuals and the actual unit in my car, it appears the only differences are the intermediate shaft is solid rather than a cable and the left U clamp bolts thread directly into the crossmember rather than having nuts. I figure the solid intermediate shaft is where the problem is. Is there a way around this? Maybe I could swap in the cable, or use a custom joint in place of the rag joint? Does anybody have any detal photos of a 71-72 unit that they could post? Anybody have any ideas?
It would figure I would buy the oddball one off year! ::)
Hello Kris,
You will most likely have to rebuild your rack.
OR find a 71-72 and cut and reweld the mounts.
The 1973 rack is a 1 year only unit.
No other Pintos have the 73 mounts.
I have a used 73 rack. Condition Un-known.
I'll check it out soon as I have time if you want?
From Pintony
I didn't even realize the units were serviceable. Where do you find parts to rebuild them? I had a '71 with a 302 in it, and that rack was loose in the same place. Is there any way to adjust them? I thought it was a ball and socket joint that had gone bad.
If you have a good rack, that'll be cool. Let me know what you have regardless. Thanks :)
Kris,
I believe I still have my '73 rack and it was in very good shape. My new pinto is a 71 and my 73 rack wouldn't fit. I have receipts for the rack and the tie rods. It's a little bit dirty and was involved in a high-speed rear-ender, but I haven't had any problems with the rest of the suspension out of the rear-ended Pinto. I currently have the engine, tranny, brake parts, and differential out of the 73 on my 71. I am willing to give it to you if you will pay shipping and make all shipping arrangements (I have to check with my body shop to be sure they still have it, but I believe they do-not a high need for pinto parts in my town ;)) I am located in Shelton, WA just North of Olympia.
I believe the sedan and wagon racks are inter-changeable but you might want to check to be sure. Long ago, it seems that I took my original rack off of a 73 wagon (not this one, I replaced the rack in 95 or so). If you are interested, please let me know soon so I can make some arrangements for you. I am happy to send you my receipts. Even have some notes I wrote back then on the gear oil and how much to put in the rack.
I also have a '73 wagon,and while the steering seems fine,I need to replace the bellows.I have a Haynes manual for it,and it says to add lubricant to the rack assembly,but does not say how,or what to use.It does say that the rack and pinion unit is NOT REPAIRABLE.I figured that if it ever went bad,I'd just get a new one,since they are pretty cheap.I just now found out that new ones are not available for the '73,at least not cheaply.Anyway,I would appreciate any information on how to add lubricant,how much to add,and where to put it. Thanks.
I believe I contacted RWG Engerprizes in Auburn, WA at 206.735.1234 (this was years ago so I am not sure if they are still around but you could try). I believe that is where my rack came from. My notes say "Yoke Cover: Steering gear to be filled with approximtely 5 ouncese of SAE-90 EP oil @ initial assembly. Checking/filling not required unless leakage is detected." And I believe this information was obtained when I contacted RWG and that is why I made a note of it. It was very difficult for me to find that information. On the installation sheet that came with the rack, the part # is noted as 93-0277-23. On my receipt it says "23-1710" and I also wrote that # on the installation sheet. I do not remember all of the details but I do remember putting in the initial replacement unit and it was defective. I was ticked cause I installed it, found it defective, had to uninstall it >:(, and put in the 2nd replacement rack. I would assume that if your rack is leaking, check the boots and make sure there are no cracks. First ensure the integrity of your boot covers and then fill the yoke if necessary. It is probably best to drain it first, as you do not want to overfill it. I remember that being a possible issue. Then put in your 5 ounces of 90 Wt. I sure hope that helps ya. I definitely do not know all when it comes to auto repair, but I have been through this same situation before. Wish I took better notes, but at least I took some. My rack from RWG came to $230 bucks brand new in 1993 plus another 40 for both Tie Rods. I can only imagine what they are running now.
I found a rebuilt rack and pinion unit for a '73 at http://www.rockauto.com/ for $147.99+$25 core charge.I have no idea about the quality,but it's cheap enough.Steering is not something you want to fail.
From my experience, that seems like a very reasonable price. Especially if they provide a warranty. My rack had a lifetime warranty (when installed in my 73)-don't think they continue the warranty after it is installed in another unit.
Tiffany, I sent you an email. Thank you for your offer! :)
Ponyboy, thanks for the link. Nice to know SOMEBODY has one! :)
Ok, let me go out on a limb and ask this: What years can you put one pf those aftermarket (flaming river style) hot roddy type racks into? I have a clean stock 76 MPG with a manual rack and its gettin loose. Can I just order up an aftermarket unit and be good?
I'm sure one of you guys out there have attempted this, now spill your guts.
Thanks