[kwhizz]

Just for what it's worth to anyone else doing this type of a swap in a Street Rod or other with a Mustang II type suspension........I had a issue that it seemed to be VooDoo magic that nobody (Suspension manufacturers included) seemed to be able to address correctly and really understand.........Now.....these guys....Heidt's, TCI etc all sell their kits with the option of Power Steering.........Now......The problem comes in with the GM pumps putting out way too much flow and pressure for the Mustang II racks....The II rack uses 2 GPM and 900 PSI.........the GM pumps (depending upon which one you have) flow from 2-3.5 GPM and 1100 - 1800 PSI.........so.....There is a major mismatch and the car are way too "Twitchy" at highway speed.....so....when you call and ask what to do they recommend the Heidt's bleed off valve or a flow restrictor out of the pump.......these Band-aid fixes basically take the sharp edge off the problem but don't really solve it.........
With that said......I did the Band-aid fix and was able to drive the car many miles, but......at Highway speed you had to be aware to the "Quick" steering sensitivity of the car.......so....The comfort level of driving the car was O.K......But it really wasn't O.K....
The car was so perfect in every other aspect that I just couldn't leave it alone and I had to educate myself to get into the world of this VooDoo magic to resolve this issue...
Now.....I've got the GTO Power Steering pump on my car which has the 2-2.5 GPM flow and 1100 PSI.......The normal Mustang II Power Steering rack is 2 1/2 turns lock to lock......after researching a little bit I found out that the 84-86 Ford Thunderbird Rack is a bolt in replacement for the II....and it is built to operate at the GM pump pressure and it's 3 turns lock to lock..........
I just swaped the racks out and went out for a test ride.........absolutely "Perfect"....I don't understand why these guy's that sell this stuff don't have this knowledge at their fingertips.....or supply the T-Bird racks with their kits....Now....If I was building a Auto cross car the T-Bird rack might be a little slow.....But...for the normal street driven car the steering is just too quick.....

Ken

Heres a link to the original build......

http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...2-install.html

[bentwings]

Great info. Thiws is exactly what I've wanted to do on my Willys.

You note the "GTO" PS pump...what exactly is this?? car,year model etc so I can go get one.

How about the series 2 GM pump?? Will this work also??

[454 Rattler]

Don't you hate it when a guy never comes back with an update or answer ?!


454 RATTLER

[daledove]

Mustang II and Tbird rack mounting holes are not the same measurement and I am pretty sure the Tbirb rack is wider causing bump steer for those using orig. Mustang II suspensions.

[enjenjo]

Originally Posted by daledove

Mustang II and Tbird rack mounting holes are not the same measurement and I am pretty sure the Tbirb rack is wider causing bump steer for those using orig. Mustang II suspensions.

There is a 1/2" difference in the rack mounting holes. The effective distance, between the inner tie rod ends is the same. Fox Mustang, Tbird, Cougar, LTDII, Fairmont, and later Granada all use the same rack configuration, there is a difference in the ratio, some are quicker than others. A Mustang rack is also a quick steering rack for a Tbird. The tread width diffence is adjusted by how far the outer tie rod end is screwed on the tie rod.

[C-cab dreamer]

Originally Posted by bentwings

Great info. Thiws is exactly what I've wanted to do on my Willys.

You note the "GTO" PS pump...what exactly is this?? car,year model etc so I can go get one.

How about the series 2 GM pump?? Will this work also??

You would have to think that he is referring to a Pontiac GTO, as the pump in question seems to have the usual output of the normal GM pumps.

[kwhizz]

Originally Posted by C-cab dreamer

You would have to think that he is referring to a Pontiac GTO, as the pump in question seems to have the usual output of the normal GM pumps.

Sorry guys.....Been out of the country......The GTO pump I'm referring to is the LS style pump from a 2004-06 GTO.....I have the LS2 engine in my 37.....with the addition of the T-Bird rack the car drives and handles absolutely perfectly.....the rack was a direct bolt in....if you have a earlier type Mustang II crossmember you can just elongate the mounting holes.....the newer ones are already made that way to allow for the slight mounting hole differences........
Sorry for the delay.......Been into Street Rods for 30 years and these LS engines are the only way to go....Here's a link to the build if anyone is interested

http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...2-install.html

[geezer69]

thats a dang nice hot rod. i like one you can drive anywhere you want to go too.yep,that one is just rite.good info on the set up..i'll member that one.

[454 Rattler]

Thanks for getting back to us on the pump. This is GREAT information.

Truly a nice Street Rod too !!


454 RATTLER

[C-cab dreamer]

Agreed! That is one fine ride!

[kwhizz]

Here's a link to a lot of info in regards to GM pump Flow and Pressures


http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...truck-etc.html



Ken