Rack & Pinion conversion kits

[ozbilt]

This is what I advise when setting a car up.

If going to RHD, then a R&P is an option as some people feel uneasy about welded drag links (regardless of testing). The R&P also makes it a no brainer for someone who does not have the access to people, or the ability to sort out steering geometry. Even I would recommend a R&P when doing a conversion, but only a TCP R&P.

I may be biased ... , but the TCP rack is the only one I have come across that gives almost the same turning circle (that close it does not matter) & does every thing asked of it (along with good service from the manufacturer).

It is also very handy when fitting headers as most will clear with no issue. You will need a valve on the pump or the pump that goes with the rack as a stock pump is too high a pressure.

Oh, & I only fit power racks. Every manual rack I ever fitted in the US got replaced within 12 months because they could not turn the car at low speed (parking). Even the race cars had power racks. Remember you need 8 degrees of caster for radial tyres.

That being said, NOTHING will work decent if the front suspension is not in great condition & set up for radial tyres. As Jeff said above, all that is in the tech section.

I am doing 2 RHD conversions in the coming months & both will use TCP racks. Both will have the mods done in the tech section. Both will have all joints checked & made sure the suspension acts like a new one.

[Shaunp]

this thread topic pops up regularly, and there always seems to be debate on the best option.

My situation may be a little off topic but somewhat relevant to the discussion, and some of the previous posts might be experiencing the same.

I have a RHD 65, running XF box with power steer. It is quite ordinary in terms of steering, even after alterations to the geometry by a conversion expert. Seems to have a bit more bump steer than id like and is just generally sloppy, will require corrections to the steering on roads of average quality. I know its an old car and i have drive old cars, so know what to expect so think it could be better.

Suspension has been upgraded and this improved the steering somewhat, but im still not happy.

Rack was recommended as a potential fix, but it is hardly a cheap option but if it sorted it out once and for all, Id be happy to go with it. TCP seems to be the go from what i am told and is about $5k once fitted up with power steer.

Other option is to get all current components taken out and start again with new or reco parts, that way i know it isnt worn components causing my issue.

Thoughts on this?

Sounds like it doesn't have enough caster. They should drive fine if the drag like is done correctly. Falcon stubs on an early car will add bump steer. Should not be sloppy or giggle headed. There is another issue. Do you know how much caster it has? You should not have to remove the front end to find what is wrong, you can easy check tie rods and ball joints. The issue may be the box, as some reco ones are set up incorrectly. My gut feeling is the alignment is wrong if you find you are chasing it around the road. Worst case the drag link is wrong. Check everyting is sound do a propper alignment, first. Do you know what brakes are on it?

[albanygt40]

Why did you get a manual one?

It was a simple fit and the use of the car for light competition, I don't like the feed back or lack of a power rack gives.

I was surprised at how light the steering was. At normal driving speeds the steering felt the same as power unit. When parking it was heavier but not to the point where I thought I can't drive this car. Maybe a daily driver would be different.

This of course is my opinion and not intended to offend the TCP or Steering box Faithfull and I guess all systems set up well with good parts would work well.

The RRS kit fitted fine, Their service is shit which is a common fact and we all know it takes yonks to get anything out of them.

[Shaunp]

Why did you get a manual one?

It was a simple fit and the use of the car for light competition, I don't like the feed back or lack of a power rack gives.

I was surprised at how light the steering was. At normal driving speeds the steering felt the same as power unit. When parking it was heavier but not to the point where I thought I can't drive this car. Maybe a daily driver would be different.

This of course is my opinion and not intended to offend the TCP or Steering box Faithfull and I guess all systems set up well with good parts would work well.

The RRS kit fitted fine, Their service is shit which is a common fact and we all know it takes yonks to get anything out of them.

One reason for PS is so you can give them more caster, which makes them heavier. If you track your car this would not hurt..

[albanygt40]

I have 8 degrees of caster dialled in with the manual rack.

[Shaunp]

cool and it still ok, what size tyres?

[Troy_H]

I might have to get this checked Shaun, wheels are aligned and have this completed several times since ive owned it.

Brakes are standard the common RHD setup, XW with commodore calipers I believe.

My gut feel is there is something going on with the box. Thanks for the advice, this gives me a start.

[hybrid]

Unless the place knows old cars, they probably won't get the caster right.

[albanygt40]

cool and it still ok, what size tyres

225/40ish/17's

It comes down to what you think is heavy and what is ok. We are all different and have different expectations. The heaviest steering car I have driving was an Escort with a quick rack.......now that was heavy.

[Shaunp]

Suppose your right.

[Shaunp]

I might have to get this checked Shaun, wheels are aligned and have this completed several times since ive owned it.

Brakes are standard the common RHD setup, XW with commodore calipers I believe.

My gut feel is there is something going on with the box. Thanks for the advice, this gives me a start.

If they are falcon stubs that is probably one of the issues with respect to bump steer unless the steering arms have been bent to fix it. If they are the Mustang of Melbourne conversion with commodore calipers on falcon discs it won't be. You can't legally use the M of M set up in QLD. Take some pics of the under side and post them. Also Troy just because it has been aligned doesn't mean it's correct. Most guys don't have a clue how to do any old car, let alone improve it. If it tracks all over the road due to road surface etc, I'd be looking at the toe and caster. Some XF boxes get recoed just with seals, other get done correctly, but there is a couple of adjustments that need to be correct, or they will be loose or bind in spots.

[HEVEN67]

I can say I dont seem to experience any bump steer since the front end was set to the specs Kerry gave me...actually it handles great as long as you dont hit a bump..but thats a 50 year old geometry set up for ya. luvhev