Changing a Fox body Mustang from power to manual steering

John82 · 06-19-2003

Need some help with a frustrating problem. I'm changing my ''82 Mustang 2.3L road-racer from power to a manual steering rack (15:1 quick-steer ratio). I'm buying a rack thru a local parts supplier that ordered it from the rebuilder, possibly TRW. The reconditioned rack was a original Ford part not a after-market like a Flaming River rack which i understand is not legal under SCCA rules. The reconditioned rack costs $250. with a core trade-in or an additional $165 for a core charge. Needless to say, i started combing the salvage yards for a manual core. A power-steering core is not acceptible. All the Mustangs i looked at had power-steering and if rack was seperate from the car i couldn't tell one from the other. What's a manual rack look like? Could someone post a pic of a manual rack so i know what to look for. From a computer print out i recieved these racks were available on '82-84 Mustangs, '82-84 Capri, '82-83 Fairmounts and others with the only change being the lenght of the tie-rods. Sure would appreciate some advice. Buying a re-conditioned rack for close to $200. just use as a core, seems a real waste of money. Any member out there have a used manual core they want to sell?
John82

Mad Max · 06-25-2003

The non power rack has no tubing for the fluid and it's missing the inlet/outlet fittings for the power stearing hoses

John82 · 06-26-2003

Thanks for the info Max. Was wondering about the fittings. Appreciate the help.
John

Racercosmo · 06-30-2003

Why are you going to manual steering?

John82 · 06-30-2003

Hi Cosmo,
My 79 Mustang road racer had power steering and always had problems with leaks. The steering was so smooth and effortless that i lost the feeling of the road. Plus by eliminating the drag from the pump i fiqured i could gain a couple of horse-power. Some of my fellow racers think i'm nuts to go to manual and others say once the car is moving i won't even notice it. Guess i'll find out. Got a good lead on getting a 15:1 manual rack from a place called MeridianAutoParts.com. They seem to carry all the racks and steering boxes that were ever made.
John

John82 · 07-12-2003

As a follow up to my problem. The rebuilder sent a re-conditioned 15:1 manual rack to my parts supplier, the only one he had. Yep, it was damaged in shipment. Took the easy route and ordered a Flaming River 15:1 rack and steering linkage from Summit. Was delivered in 3 days and looks fantastic. If i ever take a first place it may get me disqualified but at this point i'm not going to be concerned. Total cost about $450.
Now if i can come up with solution to my front sway bar problem. Went to a 1 5/16 bar. The left strut hits the bar when the wheel is turned to the right. I swear, anyone setting up a race car from stock is a glutton for punishment.