steering rack removal issue

Topic: steering rack removal issue (Read 3896 times) previous topic - next topic

steering rack removal issue

Reply #15 – August 29, 2013, 04:52:48 PM

The KYB's I ordered were for a rustang because, as you stated, they nor Koni makes them for our cars. No I didn't elongate the holes. When I first installed them, I used LSC spindle/rotor/caliper setup and I put the washers on the back side (side towards the firewall). I picked up some thicker washers from a home improvement store. Nothing special. I'd be more worried about the strut bending just above the mounting point. I believe Gumby had to "reinforce" his at that spot.
Now I have 2000' spindles with the 94' struts w/coil-overs, 94' TLCA's and I still had to put the washers in. Good luck with your project :D

steering rack removal issue

Reply #16 – August 30, 2013, 12:11:29 AM

Yes, you can space the holes with washers. Some better quality would probably be ok. Grade 8?

Got a friend who works in a metals shop? Tell him what you need, have him cut you a few spacers from some good steel.

Do the 11" brake swap (or go 5 lug) and order them for '95 GT, for example. (my route)

steering rack removal issue

Reply #17 – August 30, 2013, 01:08:23 AM

and fill it up with transmission fluid when done,,
been doing it for years,, works perfectly.

steering rack removal issue

Reply #18 – August 30, 2013, 09:10:37 AM

jcassity, fill what with transmission fluid?

steering rack removal issue

Reply #19 – August 30, 2013, 10:47:04 AM

the power steering pump.
trust me it works just fine ,, actually its a little smoother.

one less type of special fluid you need to have lying around.
the best time to convert is now with an empty rack,, or like when the hose blows off the fitting up at the pump.

my white & red coug, & my sons bird eventually failed all with the same fault, the keeper ring inside the fitting up at the high presure connection just gave out.
at that point the system purges itself.
i loosen up the fittings down below on the rack, turn the key forward, rotate the wheel left to right to finish dumping power steering fuid, then button everything up and add typef or dextronIII, the power steering doesnt seem to care.

steering rack removal issue

Reply #20 – August 30, 2013, 12:05:54 PM

I thought everyone used tyranny fluid?

every type of power steering fluid I've used makes noise like its empty.

steering rack removal issue

Reply #21 – August 30, 2013, 12:59:43 PM

you and i have this unpopular tendency to push the envelope of what is typcially acceptable..LOL

steering rack removal issue

Reply #22 – September 01, 2013, 11:47:21 PM

Thanks everyone for all the help. I want to just add some findings to my project that may help somebody in the future.

1) Lifting the engine with a block of wood on the floor jack under the oil pan (but not on the plug) to raise the engine an inch to get the rack out works just fine.

2) Get yourself an 18mm deep socket and an 18mm open end wrench. For some reason many bolts are 18mm which is a strange size (the shock tower top bolts, the rack bolts, the power steering pipe connectors).

3) I tried my darndest but I could not get the steering spline to align with the knuckle coupler -- It was very frustrating. I ended up taking the bolt out of the steering shaft by the firewall, then taking steering shaft assembly and connecting it to the rack prior to installing the rack. I then reconnected the shaft by the firewall. Ugh.

4) Not sure about using transmission fluid instead of power steering fluid even if it works since I may give my car to someone someday and they(and I) won't remember there's transmission fluid in there and they will probably add power steering fluid. (would that be a problem?)

Anyway thanks again for the help. It's on to the rear axle 8.8 change out.