[29modela]

i have a 77 mustang MII and i need to shorten the crossmember by a about 2 inches...what is the best way to modify the steering? or do i need to find one that is the correct length of the crossmember?

Thx

[2-manytoyzs]

I've been looking for this answer for a few years now without much luck. I hope someone can help here. I need to shorten my MII front end for my Morris Minors about 6" for the correct stance with my wheels. I dont See a problem shortening and reinforcing the frame but the rack is the problem. I heard "they" can cut the tube and steering rack, but I dont know who "they' are. Some kits (I think its TCI) use Dodge Omni racks but I dont know if that is short enough for you. Can you shorten the tie rod ends and rethread them or is it a frame fitment issue?

[OneMoreTime]

Originally Posted by 2-manytoyzs

I've been looking for this answer for a few years now without much luck. I hope someone can help here. I need to shorten my MII front end for my Morris Minors about 6" for the correct stance with my wheels. I dont See a problem shortening and reinforcing the frame but the rack is the problem. I heard "they" can cut the tube and steering rack, but I dont know who "they' are. Some kits (I think its TCI) use Dodge Omni racks but I dont know if that is short enough for you. Can you shorten the tie rod ends and rethread them or is it a frame fitment issue?

it has to do with preserving the proper realationships in the steering so bumpsteer is not introduced..Now as to how to "narrow" a steering rack..I would have to have one on hand to take aprt and see how it is put together..probably would lose one or two until I got it worked out..

See this: http://www.heidts.com/heisinfo.htm

If the crossmember is narrowed then the center link needs to be narrowed the corresponding amount to compensate..Hope this helps..

Update..did some searching and flaming river can build a short MII steering rack..have to call them tho on this..

OMT

[GS Guy]

I've looked into this too. FWIW the latest Popular Hot Rodding has a good article on explaining bump steer and relationships of the steering rack and tie rods to the rest of the suspension geometry. Worth checking out if you're curious about this stuff.
ChassisWorks makes custom length racks - all front steer I believe. They're nice, but a bit pricey. As OMT stated Flaming River also makes a custom length rack, but I believe only in limited sizes. Maval/Unisteer also makes custom sizes - not sure if they'll do one-offs?
From the DIY perspective - It would be worth looking at an origial rack with an eye towards lopping off and inch from each end of the rack. Might have to drill and tap it out a little deeper for the inner tie rods?
There's also a number of race car (mostly circle track) rack manufacturers who make various length racks with a variety of tie rod designs, etc. Big $$$ though.
Jeff

[29modela]

thx for the info. i was reading on some webpage of a build up of a model a, that the guy used some 70's mopar suspension and he took the steering off of a late 80's toyota car. so im gonna look into that some more..

[1948 thames]

I just don't know how yet. The rack on mine has been shortened along with the stock crossmember so that the center tube is only a couple of inches wide. When I find out how to take it apart, I will see how it was done. I think mine is later model pinto, which I think is same as mm ll.

[OneMoreTime]

I am looking into the cavalier steering rack from about 1990..it has a different "center travler" not the end rods like a MII.. that one my be easier to use..some are using it on mid 59's Fords..

OMT