Power Steering Rack

Post by **negusm** » Thu Nov 11, 2004 5:33 am

Just thought I should mention this info if anyone else was in need of a PS rack.

I picked up a rebuilt Power Steering Rack off from ebay. Here is one of the guy's auctions:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 06335&rd=1

It is the correct 15:1 sport steering ration rack (the steering "stud" turns 2.5 turns from lock to lock, I tested it) and comes with the early bushings (they changed for 1986). The housing is stamped "Ford" on it and is the one-piece housing variety.

$68 shipped and no tax or core charge. The same guy has 86+ ones for sale

Some Pics:

-Mike

Euro#13 · Post by **Euro#13** » Fri Nov 12, 2004 5:21 pm

Mike,

Thanks for the info and links.

I am not sure why he has two different part numbers listed for '85 & '86 though, everything that I have ever seen list the same part number for those years.

Also he lists that as being a TRW #15707RS but that number is actually for a FWD GM application. #15736 is however the correct TRW number.

I have bought three different rebuilt racks over the years and all three of them were painted black and although they were nice rebuilds, they didn't have the nice details that this rack you got has.

The boot clamps are just like the OEM ones.

It's not painted black so it looks OEM correct.

the fittings look new, not reused.

Up until about 2 years ago, you could still buy a brand new rack assembly from TRW/Federal Mogul, by looking at your pictures I would almost bet that the rack you have is a private labeled one of those, it looks too good to be a remanufactured unit.

Very nice find, especially for the price.

I think I may just have to order one of these.

Brent

Post by **negusm** » Fri Nov 12, 2004 5:30 pm

A guy who works for a steering rack manufacturer says that in mid 85 they switched to a slightly different bushing (one piece vs 2 piece) and one of the hard lines made a loop before going into the casing instead of a "U".

This one looks to be just like what is on my car now. The bushings look right and my car has the "U" bend in the hard line.

-Mike

Euro#13 · Post by **Euro#13** » Fri Nov 12, 2004 5:50 pm

Oh yeah, I forgot about the bushing change.
Didn't know about the hard lines being different though.

Thanks for the info.

Brent

Post by **negusm** » Fri Nov 12, 2004 8:46 pm

Euro#13 wrote:Oh yeah, I forgot about the bushing change.
Didn't know about the hard lines being different though.

Thanks for the info.

Brent

I'm a little confused on the hard lines too. I looked online for some pictures and could not find any with different hard lines.

The only 360 degree hard line turn I found was on a Mustang II rack:

See the "loop" at the bottom. I think thats what people are saying. As far as the bushings go, different bushings may be different width...I do not know what this would mean. Like I said, I looked at my car and it looks the same as the one I got sent to me. My car was scheduled for a build on 1/85 and I do not believe the rack was ever changed.

I have read that the fox rack can be used with the Mustang II but I'm not sure.

-Mike

Post by **negusm** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 2:45 am

Finally somebody explained that even if I have the wrong bushings, all I would need is some newer bolts to make it work. Or move my old bushings over.

I looked at more refurbed racks on ebay and you're right, this one is the nicest. I have seen black and blue painted racks with various styles of connectors and some "short" racks. I think I really lucked out with this one. It looks 100% original Ford from the other pictures I have seen and is complete with tie rods and everything.

I asked the seller for a picture and he wouldn't take one out of the box to take one. He said I could return it if it wasn't right so I just got it. I'm so reckless

-Mike