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install rack and pinion on old stock suspension?

1K views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  joe_padavano 
#1 ·
has anyone just taken a r and p and attached to member to make fit on old stock (1951) so I can add power steering? if so explain, thanks Dana
 
#2 ·
It used to be fairly comon to use a Citation R&P in 49-54 Chevies.

The key is to find a rack which has tie rod ends that pivot at equal length to the lower control arm inner bushings. Secondly you must mount it at a level that will keep the tie rod ends and the lower control rods parallel to each other.

Failure to do either of these will result in bump steer since every time you hit a bump the wheel will change direction as the suspension articulates.

John
 
#4 ·
Lots of people have done this, most of them incorrectly.

It takes a lot of work to properly select the R&P mounting location and inner pivot points to avoid making the handling worse due to bump steer. The best custom installations have used a bump steer gauge to select the R&P width and location by trial and error. There are several really useful websites out there that detail the process. You'll find them if you do a Google search.
 
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