rack measurements

[stroked 6t5]

Hello,
I was hoping to get some measurements for the steering rack. I have a MK4 (if that makes a difference), Autozone power rack (#6406 I believe) which measures 45 1/4" and tie rod ends which measure 8 1/4" from the end to the hole for the grease nipple. I'm uing 2003 SVT Mustang Cobra spindles and if I follow the supplied build manual and thread the rod ends to the end of the threads on the passenger side and 3/4" past on the drivers side that would measure 53" between the holes for the grease nipple on each side (which I would think is the centre of hole in the spindle mount). When I hold it all up in place it looks to be very close to what I need however I haven't factored in the rack extenders yet. What should the measurement be? Do I really need the extenders? Do I need a bump steer kit? I've read on the forums that some members cut parts to make it all fit. What parts, where and by how much? Any and all information would be greatly appriciated. Many thanx.
Regards,
Andy

[Dan Golub]

Hello,
I was hoping to get some measurements for the steering rack. I have a MK4 (if that makes a difference), Autozone power rack (#6406 I believe) which measures 45 1/4" and tie rod ends which measure 8 1/4" from the end to the hole for the grease nipple. I'm uing 2003 SVT Mustang Cobra spindles and if I follow the supplied build manual and thread the rod ends to the end of the threads on the passenger side and 3/4" past on the drivers side that would measure 53" between the holes for the grease nipple on each side (which I would think is the centre of hole in the spindle mount). When I hold it all up in place it looks to be very close to what I need however I haven't factored in the rack extenders yet. What should the measurement be? Do I really need the extenders? Do I need a bump steer kit? I've read on the forums that some members cut parts to make it all fit. What parts, where and by how much? Any and all information would be greatly appriciated. Many thanx.
Regards,
Andy

Hi Andy,

Based on the Autozone PN that you mentioned, you have the 1987-1993 power rack and tie rods. The rack extensions that we recommend customers use on power steering racks (to improve bump steer) will make each side 1.5" longer. You will need to remove 1.5" of thread off of the inner tie rod in order to get your alignment back into specs. Other than that, everything else should line up and work well with all of the other suspension/steering parts that you have.

Thanks

Dan@FFR

[stroked 6t5]

Dan,
Thanx for the information it answers many questions. I do have one other question though, how do you get the inner tie rods off? I've had a large wrench on it and I've been standing and jumping on it and it won't budge. What's the trick here? Many thanx.
Regards,
Andy

[Brian Z]

Vise grips are the usual method. If they are really tough to get off heat them up with a torch. Thats how I got my old crusty ones off of my last mustang.

Best regards,

[stroked 6t5]

Brian,
Thanx for the info. I guess I just wasn't using a big enough wrench. An 18" cresent with a pair of size 10 boots and a couple of beer to congragulate myself and the job is done. Many thanx everyone.
Regards,
Andy