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What is it? Rack and pinion

1807 Views 11 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  C-cab dreamer
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I just bought a 31 ford Rat Rod roller. it has a rack and pinon up front. ford 9" in the back.... it was put together about 5 to 10 years ago.
i was told it came from Speedway motors but i can't find any thing that looks like it.
the bolt pattern on the wheels are 5 on 4-1/2 .... ford?????
the control arms look like ford mustang 2 kinda.
but the rack does not have the bolt loops under it like the mustang 2 ???
as you can see the rack has kind of a square rubber block around it that straps to the frame ??


so my question is what are the front end components from????

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Don't know. But a rag joint should not be used as a swivel joint. I recommend it be re-engineered.
ditch the rag joint! the mounting sucks too. match up a for sure mustang two unit and see what needs to be done to install safely.
73 and down Pinto???? 71 Pinto used a large cable as a steering shaft.
Pinto...;)
The rack mount in the first pic looks OK, but the opposite end looks like he didn't have the proper parts and cobbled something together with a piece of steel strapping. I think you would be well advised to replace both rack mounts with something far more solid.
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These fellows have some nice pieces.....scroll down.....
Rack and Pinions
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73 and down Pinto???? 71 Pinto used a large cable as a steering shaft.
This was a large version of a speedometer cable, made the same way. It was a pretty neat idea because you could mount the R&P most anywhere and the cable steering column would bend to accomodate it. Where the whole operation want south was that Ford failed to make the cable out of stainless. Result....it rusted from the inside out where you couldn't see it and failed at the most inappropriate time.
The steering failure was only noted on those that hadn't exploded due to a rear end collision.:D
The rack mount in the first pic looks OK, but the opposite end looks like he didn't have the proper parts and cobbled something together with a piece of steel strapping. I think you would be well advised to replace both rack mounts with something far more solid.
Does the rack have to be that far out from the frame so it is straight or can it be closer to the frame.
Does the rack have to be that far out from the frame so it is straight or can it be closer to the frame.
You want the tie rods in line with the rack body, just like this one is installed.
You want the tie rods in line with the rack body, just like this one is installed.
Absolutely, and let me add just one small thing, straight when the wheels are pointed dead ahead. When you turn the front wheels, the tie rods will move a small amount back and forth.
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