Mkll power steering rack recommendation

[exukpaul]

Hey guys.
So, got my Mkll up and running towards the end of last summer and put about a 1000 miles on it. So through the winter I have decided to add power steering. I purchased the saginaw pump and mounting bracket from CVF Racing and was just wondering what rack to stick on it. I was just passing O'Reillys and called in (not that I was thinking of getting one from there). I said I wanted a 1990 mustang rack with non- quick ratio. They didn't have a clue and neither did I. There was all different varieties coming up on computer screen.
So is there a particular one I need to narrow it down to ?
Thanks

[CraigS]

You want a 3.0 turn lock to lock rack. Someone who bought one recently can maybe help out w/ parts #s. But here is my suggestion because the rebuilders often don't get it right. Take a pair of small vise grips with you. Before you pay, clamp onto the input shaft and turn until it stops. Now turn the other way counting turns. If it's less than 3 turns, order a different number.

[exukpaul]

You want a 3.0 turn lock to lock rack. Someone who bought one recently can maybe help out w/ parts #s. But here is my suggestion because the rebuilders often don't get it right. Take a pair of small vise grips with you. Before you pay, clamp onto the input shaft and turn until it stops. Now turn the other way counting turns. If it's less than 3 turns, order a different number.

Got it ! Thanks CraigS.
So if anyone has a part # that would be great.
Thanks

[michael everson]

You could just get one from Factory five
Mike

[MB750]

Why not electric power steering? Seems cleaner IMO.

[jab351w]

BBB Industries N1010106:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=8393808&cc=1133985&pt=7388&jsn=14

New (not re-man), 3 turns lock-to-lock.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Hey guys.
So, got my Mkll up and running towards the end of last summer and put about a 1000 miles on it. So through the winter I have decided to add power steering. I purchased the saginaw pump and mounting bracket from CVF Racing


The Saginaw pump pressure of 1,200 PSI is too high for the Ford rack so you'll need to reduce it to ~800. You can get a reduction valve for the pump for about 40 bucks by going back to CVF.

https://www.cvfracing.com/saginaw-p-series-pressure-reducing-valve-800-psi/?sku=SAGINAW-800PSI&utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=cse&gc_id=19176641704&g_special_campaign=true&mtm_campaign=19176641704&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwOe8BhCCARIsAGKeD54-CZ6gjBILm4NG5_BRhMeYxulOinrAMzRmGnrZ-ZyZCpA16UmXoNEaAg39EALw_wcB&mtm_source=google&mtm_medium=cpc&mtm_cid=19176641704&mtm_group=&mtm_placement=&mtm_content=pla&mtm_kwd=2971&gad_source=1

Jeff

[Jeff Kleiner]

Why not electric power steering? Seems cleaner IMO.

Personally not a fan of how the cars drive with EPAS.

Jeff

[exukpaul]

Ok. Thanks everyone. At least i have something to go off now �� I'll check out the reduction valve too. Thanks again everyone

[ptstew]

I put this BBB Industries N1010106 rack in my Mk 1.5 a couple of years ago with an OEM Mustang Pump and Breeze hoses a couple of years ago. It works great.

[exukpaul]

I put this BBB Industries N1010106 rack in my Mk 1.5 a couple of years ago with an OEM Mustang Pump and Breeze hoses a couple of years ago. It works great.

Thats good to know. Thats the rack I'll be getting ! Thanks

[rich grsc]

You can put restrictors on a 3 turn rack, making it a 2.5 turn, it still turns at the same ratio (speed). Two different things, distance moved or time to move the same amount.

[exukpaul]

Ok. All ordered. Thanks to everyone !

[ProfessorB]

I have a Mrk II and went thru this scenario last year. There's lots of info if you do a search of my threads. THIS is what you need to know: All the manufactures have "lumped together" the racks with different PART NUMBERS and different RATIOS. They just send you a rack that fits. While the PART numbers are listed according to ratio....that does not mean they will send you that particular ratio. Also, the BEST way to compare racks is to turn the shaft exactly one (or even two) turns and measure the travel of the rack with a tape measure. A someone already pointed out, counting turns from lock to lock doesn't work because travel can be limited.
I also found out that the V-8 power rack is quick ratio....the 4-cylinder rack is slower ratio. My own Mk II was extremely twitchy , it already had power steering but it was almost impossible to drive. I went with the slower rack and also changed out the upper control arms to adjustable control arms. My caster before changing the arms was 4 degrees....I now run 9 degrees of caster and the car has been transformed (many thanks to all those on here who advised me to do this). But again, I also went with the slower ratio rack. I kept oredering the slower rack (according to part number) and kept on getting a quick ratio rack. They would take it back, no problem, but then send me ANOTHER quick ratio rack. I ended up calling BBB and talked with some big wig in the corporate office in Alabama. He actually confirmed that they just send a rack that fits and may or may NOT be the correct ratio. He then actually TOLD me that it was he who adopted this policy of "as long as it fits". I wasn't too happy with him. In the end, I ordered the rack from a hotrod industry supplier of Mustang racks (can't remember the name but it's in my threads....somewhere in Ohio I think). It cost a hundred bucks more than the auto parts store, but they knew EXACTLY what I was talking about and sent me the correct slow-ratio rack.

[rich grsc]

Caster fixed the 'twitchiness' not a slower rack.

[JJ in Cbus]

Great timing on this post. After 8 years of driving I am finally adding power steering to my mk3.1. I ordered today what I could from Rock Auto and got the bracket from CFR and the plumbing from Breeze. I sill need to find a pump pulley but can get that and the belt locally when the time comes. Let the fun begin!

[ProfessorB]

Caster fixed the 'twitchiness' not a slower rack.
.
Mostly agree. Caster change had a much bigger impact, but they BOTH had an impact.

[Ford & Jeep Fan]

....... THIS is what you need to know: All
I also found out that the V-8 power rack is quick ratio....the 4-cylinder rack is slower ratio. ........

Exactly what I going to say. I bought a new 88GT back than and i knew all the 5.0L cars were the faster ratio.

[CraigS]

This is an option for PS pumps. For a 99 Explorer. This is the version that needs a remote reservoir.
210120
I removed this cap and cut the pressure relief spring to get the assist level I wanted. I cut a little too much and found a few small washers to shim it back,
210121
I used a Breeze mount and extra spacers to hang it off the driver side head.

[exukpaul]

I have a Mrk II and went thru this scenario last year. There's lots of info if you do a search of my threads. THIS is what you need to know: All the manufactures have "lumped together" the racks with different PART NUMBERS and different RATIOS. They just send you a rack that fits. While the PART numbers are listed according to ratio....that does not mean they will send you that particular ratio. Also, the BEST way to compare racks is to turn the shaft exactly one (or even two) turns and measure the travel of the rack with a tape measure. A someone already pointed out, counting turns from lock to lock doesn't work because travel can be limited.
I also found out that the V-8 power rack is quick ratio....the 4-cylinder rack is slower ratio. My own Mk II was extremely twitchy , it already had power steering but it was almost impossible to drive. I went with the slower rack and also changed out the upper control arms to adjustable control arms. My caster before changing the arms was 4 degrees....I now run 9 degrees of caster and the car has been transformed (many thanks to all those on here who advised me to do this). But again, I also went with the slower ratio rack. I kept oredering the slower rack (according to part number) and kept on getting a quick ratio rack. They would take it back, no problem, but then send me ANOTHER quick ratio rack. I ended up calling BBB and talked with some big wig in the corporate office in Alabama. He actually confirmed that they just send a rack that fits and may or may NOT be the correct ratio. He then actually TOLD me that it was he who adopted this policy of "as long as it fits". I wasn't too happy with him. In the end, I ordered the rack from a hotrod industry supplier of Mustang racks (can't remember the name but it's in my threads....somewhere in Ohio I think). It cost a hundred bucks more than the auto parts store, but they knew EXACTLY what I was talking about and sent me the correct slow-ratio rack.
Great advise everyone. Sorry, i didn't know there were replies. I never seem to get notifications although everything is set to get them instantly.
So, i got pump and bracket on with newly added 2v pulleys from CVF. Got the new rack bolted up last night. There is a difference in size of the shaft on the rack. New one is a lot bigger so gonna have to source another steering shaft u joint. Friend of mine is sorting me out the hoses this week so shouldn't be far off. As mentioned earlier in a post, i hope i have been sent the right ratio rack.
Thanks all !

[exukpaul]

Ok. Quick update. Thanks to all for steering me in right direction (excuse the pun).
Got it all finished yesterday and its been a beautiful day here in Atlanta so me and the mrs went for a drive. I've gotta say, what an absolute pleasure to drive now. For me, its so much more enjoyable. So glad i did it.
Thanks to all !

[CraigS]

Yeehaw, another convert! My goal w/ my MkII was to make it drive like a normal car, a VERY fast normal car. Previously I had a MkI that I bought w/ a depowered power rack. My first mod was to power it up. When I got the MkII it had a FFR manual rack so I thought, let's give it a try for a month. UH, no, not working that hard just to drive a car. One of the things I thought about was the classic kid running out in front of me chasing a ball. Could I move the steering wheel fast enough? The obvious answer to me was no way. Being an avid autocrosser, at one point I decided to try a 2.5 turn rack. Wow it was nice in a slalom. But for me, I gave it 3 months to get acclimated, but never liked it on the street. I now drive a 19 Stingray w/ perfect electric PS. But you know what? The steering is only maybe a 5-10% improvement over my MkII w/ 3.0 powered rack and upgraded to MkIV front suspension.

[exukpaul]

Yeehaw, another convert! My goal w/ my MkII was to make it drive like a normal car, a VERY fast normal car. Previously I had a MkI that I bought w/ a depowered power rack. My first mod was to power it up. When I got the MkII it had a FFR manual rack so I thought, let's give it a try for a month. UH, no, not working that hard just to drive a car. One of the things I thought about was the classic kid running out in front of me chasing a ball. Could I move the steering wheel fast enough? The obvious answer to me was no way. Being an avid autocrosser, at one point I decided to try a 2.5 turn rack. Wow it was nice in a slalom. But for me, I gave it 3 months to get acclimated, but never liked it on the street. I now drive a 19 Stingray w/ perfect electric PS. But you know what? The steering is only maybe a 5-10% improvement over my MkII w/ 3.0 powered rack and upgraded to MkIV front suspension.
My thoughts exactly CraigS.
Obviously i loved driving it before but i used to say to the wife, its not a pleasurable drive. Too much hard work in my opinion. Been spoilt over the years.
I did order the rack from rock auto like was previously mentioned. It stated on the description that it was 3 turns lock to lock. When i got it, it was 2 and a half turns lock to lock. I didn't want to have to wait again so i just put it on. On the little bit i drove today, it seemed great. Maybe in time I'll realize i need 3 turns like everyone says. We'll see.
Anything is better than needing arms like popeye to go for a drive on a nice sunny day ! Cheers

[rich grsc]

This is a performance car, NO way would I want a slow steering car. Let's say someone pulled out in front of you, do you want to quickly steer out of danger or have to fight the wheel to move to safety?