Steering rack

[R8er]

Hello, I have a base kit that is set up to use the factory power steering rack out of the mustang. I have decided to forgo this steering rack and upgrade to a nice manual steering rack based on the terrible condition of the donor rack and the fact that it was rusted on to the chassis. I would like to go flaming river. Does this rack match up nicely to the FFR kit? Should I get 15-1 or 20-1? (Will not be racing. Weekend driver) Or should I just call FFR and order a rack through them? Any advice is appreciated.

[edwardb]

Personally I think you'd be way better off using the purpose made manual rack from FFR. It's designed to fit exactly in the chassis (Mustang 87-93 mounting) plus has the wider inner tie rods for improved front end geometry and reduced bump steer. The ratio of that rack (don't remember what it is off hand) is fine for manual steering and street driving. Plus I suspect it's cheaper than the Flaming River selections.

[NukeMMC]

You still have the option of doing a power rack by getting the rack out of the donor, take it to AutoZone as a core and get a Duralast #6406 power steering rack for $56. Even without the core you only add a $20 core charge. A reman pump (#6383) is $49 with a $24 core charge.

[CraigS]

Agreed, stay w/ power. Autozone rack numbers:
#6406; 3.0 turns lock to lock
#6439; 2.5 turns lock to lock
#64163 2.25 turns lock to lock

[walt mckenna]

You mentioned that you would be a weekend driver with no track events. I believe that you would be much happier with power assist for cruising and enjoying your car. The increased effort required to steer and brake might take away from that enjoyable experience. I have hydroboost PS & PB and would not change a thing and I take it to the track whenever possible.

You should get many responses to this post, so I would hold off making the decision until those experience members of this forum have a chance to weigh in.

[wallace18]

IMO go with P/S. You will be wishing you did if you go manual. JMO. I am putting P/S on my coupe after driving only 800 miles.

[edwardb]

I didn't interpret the OP's question as a manual vs. PS question. Since the new manual rack was mentioned, I just assumed the plan was to de-power the PS rack from the donor. Good thing it wouldn't come out, because most agree that's about the worst combination possible. I couldn't agree more -- go PS if that's your plan. The Auto Zone racks mentioned are successfully used by many. Suggest using the rack extenders if that's the choice. Or if manual is the plan, then I recommend the FF manual rack as previously mentioned.

[R8er]

Thank you for all the responses! I probably would have regrettably ordered a $550 FLaming River rack without that info.