foxbody manual steering rack
Foxbody Mustangs, renowned for their performance potential, often benefit from steering rack upgrades for enhanced road feel and precision handling characteristics.
Many enthusiasts seek to refine the driving experience, addressing factory limitations and achieving a more connected, responsive steering system in their classic cars.
What is a Foxbody Mustang?
The Foxbody Mustang, produced from 1979 to 1993, represents a significant era in Mustang history. Named for the Fox platform it utilizes, these Mustangs are celebrated for their lightweight design and affordability, making them popular choices for modification and performance upgrades.
Available in coupe, hatchback, and convertible body styles, the Foxbody offered a range of engines, including the iconic 5.0L V8. This combination of accessible performance and a robust chassis has cultivated a dedicated enthusiast community, continually seeking improvements like manual steering rack enhancements to elevate the driving experience and handling precision.
Why Upgrade the Steering Rack?
Foxbody Mustangs equipped with factory manual steering often exhibit vague on-center feel and substantial steering effort, particularly at lower speeds. Upgrading the steering rack addresses these shortcomings, delivering a more direct and responsive connection to the road.
A superior rack minimizes play, enhances steering accuracy, and reduces driver fatigue. Enthusiasts pursuing track days or spirited driving benefit immensely from the improved control and feedback. Furthermore, a quality manual rack upgrade can dramatically sharpen the overall driving experience, transforming the Foxbody’s handling characteristics.
Types of Manual Steering Racks for Foxbodies
Foxbody manual steering options range from original Ford units to aftermarket performance racks, each offering varying levels of precision and responsiveness for improved handling.
Original Ford Manual Steering Rack
The original Ford manual steering rack, found in base model Foxbody Mustangs, provides a direct and unassisted steering feel, favored by those seeking a raw driving experience.
These racks are known for their simplicity and affordability, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts or those aiming for a period-correct restoration. However, they can exhibit increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, and may be prone to wear and leaks over time. Rebuilding kits are available to address seal failures and restore functionality, but finding a well-maintained original unit is becoming increasingly challenging.
Aftermarket Manual Steering Rack Options
Several aftermarket manual steering rack options cater to Foxbody Mustang enthusiasts desiring improved performance and reliability over the original Ford units. Companies like Flaming River and Borgeson offer complete rack and pinion kits, often featuring quicker steering ratios for enhanced responsiveness.
These racks typically utilize modern seal designs to minimize leaks and provide smoother operation. Some offer adjustable features, allowing customization of steering feel. While more expensive than rebuilding an original rack, aftermarket options deliver superior durability and a more refined driving experience.
Power Steering Rack Conversion (and why avoid it for manual feel)
Converting to a power steering rack is a common consideration, but generally defeats the purpose of seeking a manual steering upgrade for a true driving connection. Power steering introduces assist, diminishing road feel and feedback crucial for precise control.
While easier to turn, it sacrifices the direct, communicative steering experience many enthusiasts desire. A properly maintained manual rack, coupled with appropriate steering shaft bushings, offers superior feel and a more engaging driving experience than a power steering conversion.
Common Issues with Foxbody Manual Steering Racks
Foxbody manual racks frequently develop leaks from seals, exhibit excessive play in the steering, or require significant effort to turn, impacting driving precision.
Leaks and Seals
Leaks are a prevalent issue with aging Foxbody manual steering racks, often stemming from deteriorated seals within the rack itself. These seals, responsible for containing the steering fluid, can become brittle and cracked over time due to heat cycles and general wear. Identifying leaks early is crucial, as fluid loss directly impacts steering assist and can lead to internal rack damage. Common leak locations include the pinion shaft seal, the rack body seals, and connections where hoses attach.
Replacing these seals often requires specialized tools and expertise; a full rack rebuild or replacement is frequently recommended for a lasting solution.
Play in the Steering
Excessive play in the steering of a Foxbody Mustang equipped with a manual rack indicates internal wear within the steering mechanism. This manifests as noticeable looseness or a delay in front wheel response when turning the steering wheel. Worn pinion gears, rack teeth, or internal bushings contribute to this unwanted movement, diminishing steering precision and driver confidence.
Diagnosing play involves checking for movement with the wheels lifted and assessing the rack’s internal condition; often, rack replacement is the most effective remedy.
Hard Steering Effort
Unusually high steering effort in a Foxbody with a manual rack can stem from several issues, creating a challenging driving experience, especially at lower speeds. Potential causes include a binding steering column, a worn or improperly lubricated rack, or incorrect alignment. Restricted fluid flow, though less common in manual systems, can also contribute.
Thorough inspection of the steering linkage and rack internals is crucial, alongside verifying proper lubrication and alignment to restore comfortable steering operation.
Installation Process
Replacing a Foxbody manual steering rack requires careful disconnection of lines, removal of the old unit, and precise installation of the new rack and related components.
Tools Required
Successfully installing a Foxbody manual steering rack demands a specific toolkit. Essential items include a jack and jack stands for safe vehicle elevation, alongside a comprehensive socket set—both metric and standard—to tackle various fasteners.
Flare nut wrenches are crucial for disconnecting hydraulic lines without damage, while a steering rack puller simplifies removal. A torque wrench ensures proper tightening, preventing leaks or component failure. Penetrating oil aids in loosening stubborn bolts, and a fluid drain pan manages old steering fluid. Don’t forget safety glasses and gloves!
Removing the Old Steering Rack
Begin by disconnecting the battery to prevent accidental electrical issues. Drain the power steering fluid (if applicable) and carefully disconnect the steering shaft from the rack, noting its orientation. Detach the tie rod ends from the spindles, and loosen the mounting bolts securing the rack to the K-member.
Support the engine from above to prevent strain during removal. Gently slide the old rack backward, maneuvering around suspension components. Be prepared for residual fluid spillage and inspect all lines for damage.
Installing the New Steering Rack
Carefully position the new manual steering rack into the K-member, aligning the mounting points. Secure it with the appropriate bolts, tightening them to the manufacturer’s specified torque. Reconnect the tie rod ends, ensuring proper alignment and thread engagement. Attach the steering shaft, mirroring the original orientation.
Double-check all connections for security and proper function. Fill the system with the correct fluid type (if applicable) and bleed any air from the lines.
Adjustments and Alignment
Post-installation, centering the steering wheel is crucial for proper handling. A professional front-end alignment is essential to optimize tire wear and vehicle stability.
Centering the Steering Wheel
After installing a new manual steering rack in your Foxbody, the steering wheel may not be perfectly centered. This is common and requires adjustment. Loosen the steering shaft U-joint at the firewall, allowing for rotational adjustment; Carefully turn the steering wheel until centered, then tighten the U-joint securely.
Double-check the centering by driving a short distance on a level surface. If it still drifts, repeat the adjustment process. Precise centering is vital for symmetrical steering lock and optimal handling characteristics, ensuring a balanced driving experience and preventing unwanted pull to one side.
Front End Alignment After Rack Installation
A proper front-end alignment is crucial following manual steering rack replacement on your Foxbody. The new rack alters steering geometry, necessitating adjustments to toe, camber, and caster angles. Incorrect alignment leads to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and potential instability.
Professional alignment is highly recommended, utilizing specialized equipment for accurate measurements. Ensure the technician understands the car’s intended use (street, track) for optimized settings. Prioritize achieving factory specifications or a performance-oriented setup tailored to your driving style for optimal results.
Upgrading Related Components
Enhance your manual rack by addressing worn steering shaft bushings, tie rod ends, and ball joints for improved responsiveness and eliminating unwanted play.
Steering Shaft Bushings
Foxbody steering shaft bushings are frequently overlooked, yet play a crucial role in steering precision. Over time, these rubber components deteriorate, leading to excessive play and a vague steering feel. Replacing worn bushings with upgraded polyurethane versions significantly reduces unwanted movement within the steering column.
This results in a more direct connection to the steering rack, improving responsiveness and driver confidence. Upgrading these bushings is a relatively inexpensive and straightforward modification that complements a manual steering rack upgrade, maximizing the benefits of improved steering feel and control. Don’t underestimate their impact!
Tie Rod Ends and Ball Joints
When upgrading to a Foxbody manual steering rack, inspecting and potentially replacing tie rod ends and ball joints is essential. These components directly influence steering accuracy and responsiveness. Worn tie rod ends introduce play, negating the benefits of a tighter steering rack. Similarly, deteriorated ball joints contribute to imprecise handling and potential safety concerns.
Upgrading to high-quality, heavy-duty replacements ensures a solid foundation for improved steering performance. Consider adjustable tie rod ends for precise alignment capabilities. Addressing these components alongside the rack upgrade delivers a comprehensive handling improvement.
Bump Steer Correction
Installing a Foxbody manual steering rack can sometimes introduce bump steer – unwanted steering input caused by suspension movement. Lowered vehicles are particularly susceptible. Bump steer occurs as the tie rod angles change with suspension travel, affecting steering geometry. Correction kits, consisting of adjustable tie rod sleeves or relocation brackets, are crucial.
These kits allow fine-tuning of the tie rod angles, minimizing bump steer and maintaining consistent steering feel throughout the suspension’s range of motion. Proper bump steer correction ensures predictable handling and maximizes the benefits of the upgraded steering rack.
Cost Considerations
Foxbody manual steering rack upgrades range from $200 to $800+, depending on the rack type and vendor. Factor in fluids, alignment costs, and potential related parts.
Price Range for Racks
Foxbody manual steering rack pricing varies considerably based on the source and condition. A used, original Ford rack can be found for around $150 to $300, though condition is often a gamble, potentially requiring rebuild or seal replacement.
New aftermarket manual racks, offering improved performance and reliability, typically range from $350 to $650. High-end options with quicker ratios or enhanced features can exceed $800. Rebuilt racks offer a middle ground, usually costing between $300 and $500, providing a balance of cost and assurance.
Additional Costs (Fluids, Alignment, Parts)
Beyond the rack’s price, factor in essential supplementary expenses. Power steering fluid (approximately $20-$30) is needed for flushing the system. A professional front-end alignment, crucial after rack installation, typically costs $80-$150.
Consider potential costs for tie rod ends ($50-$100 per side) and steering shaft bushings ($20-$50) if worn. Unexpected issues, like seized bolts, may necessitate additional parts and labor, adding to the overall investment. Budgeting $200-$400 for these extras is prudent.
Resources and Where to Buy
Online retailers like Summit Racing and CJ Pony Parts offer various racks. Mustang-specific forums provide valuable advice and vendor recommendations from fellow enthusiasts.
Online Retailers
Summit Racing consistently provides a broad selection of Foxbody manual steering racks, encompassing both original Ford replacements and performance-oriented aftermarket options. Their website features detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and competitive pricing, making it a convenient starting point for research.
CJ Pony Parts specializes in Mustang components, offering a curated range of steering racks specifically tailored for Foxbody models; They often bundle racks with necessary hardware and provide expert technical support. Additionally, eBay can be a source for used or rebuilt racks, but careful inspection of seller ratings and product condition is crucial before purchasing.
Mustang Forums and Communities
Foxbody Mustang forums, such as Fox Mustangs and MustangForums, are invaluable resources for owners seeking advice on manual steering rack upgrades. These platforms host extensive threads detailing installation experiences, rack comparisons, and troubleshooting tips from fellow enthusiasts.
Facebook groups dedicated to Foxbody Mustangs also provide a space for asking questions, sharing knowledge, and sourcing parts. Engaging with these communities can offer insights into specific rack performance characteristics and potential issues, helping you make an informed decision before investing in a new steering system.