Shop manual inquiry

[Cutter 54]

Background: I am using a manual rack on my Mk 4 and don't like it. Too slow, too heavy at low speed. I have an unused remanufactured power R&P which was disassembled by me after crossing the hydraulic lines on the rack and ASSuming the seals were shot. Rebuild kit bought but was never successful assembling the rack. Detailed diagrams or descriptions on rebuilding a power rack are basically non-existent online.

Not ready to toss the reman'd rack and buy another. Determined to make one more attempt at repairing it. Stubborn.

Help needed: Anyone have a shop manual on the Gen 3 mustang or thunderbird with detailed description or exploded parts diagram(s) on the steering rack itself? I am willing to buy a manual on ebay or elsewhere (books4cars.com) once I am sure it contains what I am looking for.

Other options: 1) Buy another remanufactured power rack. 2) Pay the $450 to "turnonesteering.com" to rebuild it. 3) Stick with the manual rack. 4) Sell the car and learn to play chess.

Thanks in advance. Ed K

[Norm B]

Maybe this will help. Haven’t watched it to be sure though! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28cTD6TdDcY

Norm

[gbranham]

#1 is your easiest and cheapest option.

[Cutter 54]

Thanks Norm. I did watch it, but the fellow ran into one of the roadblocks I did. Getting those pesky teflon rings in place on the pinion valve body is not for the novice.

[Blitzboy54]

Background: I am using a manual rack on my Mk 4 and don't like it. Too slow, too heavy at low speed. I have an unused remanufactured power R&P which was disassembled by me after crossing the hydraulic lines on the rack and ASSuming the seals were shot. Rebuild kit bought but was never successful assembling the rack. Detailed diagrams or descriptions on rebuilding a power rack are basically non-existent online.

Not ready to toss the reman'd rack and buy another. Determined to make one more attempt at repairing it. Stubborn.

Help needed: Anyone have a shop manual on the Gen 3 mustang or thunderbird with detailed description or exploded parts diagram(s) on the steering rack itself? I am willing to buy a manual on ebay or elsewhere (books4cars.com) once I am sure it contains what I am looking for.

Other options: 1) Buy another remanufactured power rack. 2) Pay the $450 to "turnonesteering.com" to rebuild it. 3) Stick with the manual rack. 4) Sell the car and learn to play chess.

Thanks in advance. Ed K

I have a Gen 2 shop manual. I can look tonight. I would assume if it's there it would be included in the Gen 3 as well. Also a good chance those parts are the same. I'll PM you if I find anything.

***Edit*** I misunderstood what you meant by Gen 3. I have Coyote on the brain. You meant Fox body. I watched the video Norm linked. The answer might be in the comments. A guy replied this

"Those seals are made to "reshape". I had to make a tool to get mine to compress back down. They are just like sealing rings in a transmission - you stretch them to get them on, then compress them again when they are in place. I have tools for 4L60's, 4R70W's, etc. But I did not have one for my Fox rack, so I made it from some PVC pipe. Unfortunately, I lost an hour of footage when I rebuilt mine because the camera went into heat protection. BUT, I may have some pics, or may even have the tool kicking around if you need pics."

It makes sense or at least makes as much sense as using teflon as a seal does. Almost like a piston ring tool. I would try some sheet aluminum and put a couple hose clamps on it. Compress it down and see if she holds.

[Cutter 54]

I have a Gen 2 shop manual. I can look tonight. I would assume if it's there it would be included in the Gen 3 as well. Also a good chance those parts are the same. I'll PM you if I find anything.

***Edit*** I misunderstood what you meant by Gen 3. I have Coyote on the brain. You meant Fox body. I watched the video Norm linked. The answer might be in the comments. A guy replied this

"Those seals are made to "reshape". I had to make a tool to get mine to compress back down. They are just like sealing rings in a transmission - you stretch them to get them on, then compress them again when they are in place. I have tools for 4L60's, 4R70W's, etc. But I did not have one for my Fox rack, so I made it from some PVC pipe. Unfortunately, I lost an hour of footage when I rebuilt mine because the camera went into heat protection. BUT, I may have some pics, or may even have the tool kicking around if you need pics."

It makes sense or at least makes as much sense as using teflon as a seal does. Almost like a piston ring tool. I would try some sheet aluminum and put a couple hose clamps on it. Compress it down and see if she holds.


Yup, I understand about the Teflon ring fitment. I have used thin plastic as a sleeve to compress the rings but have learned there are tools for this purpose as you have quoted. Even if I can re-seat new rings (or "scrapers" as they have been called) There is still some question about various seals and O-rings. I made the mistake of not being meticulous about what parts went where when I (we I should say) disassembled things and am paying the price. Now it is not obvious what goes where and how the seals and other rings are oriented.

If you would look in your manual it would be helpful to see if there is a detailed description or at least an exploded parts diagram of the PS rand and pinion. If so, I may buy the Ford shop manual for the Gen 3 car. I will send a PM.
Thanks for the input. Appreciated. EK

[ProfessorB]

#1 is your easiest and cheapest option.

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Agreed. (Although, actually, #4 is the cheapest option :o )

[Norm B]

After looking at the price of shop manuals, I agree, #1 is by far the cheapest. You can get a 3 turn lock to lock for $63 or a 2.38 turn lock to lock for $83 plus shipping after core return here https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,1993,mustang,5.0l+v8,1134076,steering,rack+an d+pinion,7388
I would make sure to keep the rack extenders, fire everything else in the return box for the core, and save myself the frustration.

Norm

[Cutter 54]

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Agreed. (Although, actually, #4 is the cheapest option :o )

Ah, thank you Grasshopper. Most wise.