64 FSC rack-n-pinion
#1
64 FSC rack-n-pinion
OK guys, tossing this idea around. On my 64 Jetstar 88 After I get the disc conversion done I'm looking at putting a rack on. Realizing they are a bit on the heavy side, I know I can't just use a Pinto type rack. I have one out of a 95 Gran Prix so I believe that should be heavy enough. And it is a rear steer rack. I plan on making it bolt on so it can be changed if needed. I have a few thoughts in my head that can either sty or go if needed. Any thoughts???
#2
Good luck!.
You are pretty much on your own here, steering rack conversions are available for '55-57 Chevys and some Mustangs, possibly also for some other models.
You are contemplating re-engineering your car, it will give you plenty of headaches and will hit your wallet hard. After which what will you have gained?, to make the car handle and respond significantly better you will also have to spend $$$ on the suspension system.
I don't want to rain on your parade and admire your enthusiasm, but I think you are contemplating major work for little reward.
Roger.
You are pretty much on your own here, steering rack conversions are available for '55-57 Chevys and some Mustangs, possibly also for some other models.
You are contemplating re-engineering your car, it will give you plenty of headaches and will hit your wallet hard. After which what will you have gained?, to make the car handle and respond significantly better you will also have to spend $$$ on the suspension system.
I don't want to rain on your parade and admire your enthusiasm, but I think you are contemplating major work for little reward.
Roger.
#3
Hi Roger, yes there will be significant work no doubt there. But there will be two areas that will benefit. First will be handling. And second will be clearance. Since the original steering box is right outside the exhaust ports of #'s 3 & 5 and very much precludes the use of any headers. I already rebuilt the front end. new ball joints and bushings, with polyurethane uppers available, I believe the car will handle well.
#5
The VERY FIRST thing you need to do is research "bump steer". I seriously doubt you'll be able to find a stock rack that has the inner pivots at the right spacing, but you might get lucky. The better choice is the GM N-body rack, that looks like this"
PC110671.jpg
This is a rear steer rack, so it will turn in the correct direction for your J88. This configuration is often used by aftermarket R+P providers because you throw away the tie rods and attach a block using the bolts #37 in the drawing. Then you attach a bar to the block that's the same center-to-center length as your current center link, allowing you to use stock tie rods for your car. Just find the right place to mount it that minimizes bump steer. It ends up looking like this:
Note how this guy is actually using his original center link:
Here's another variation:
PC110671.jpg
This is a rear steer rack, so it will turn in the correct direction for your J88. This configuration is often used by aftermarket R+P providers because you throw away the tie rods and attach a block using the bolts #37 in the drawing. Then you attach a bar to the block that's the same center-to-center length as your current center link, allowing you to use stock tie rods for your car. Just find the right place to mount it that minimizes bump steer. It ends up looking like this:
Note how this guy is actually using his original center link:
Here's another variation:
#6
Hi Roger, yes there will be significant work no doubt there. But there will be two areas that will benefit. First will be handling. And second will be clearance. Since the original steering box is right outside the exhaust ports of #'s 3 & 5 and very much precludes the use of any headers. I already rebuilt the front end. new ball joints and bushings, with polyurethane uppers available, I believe the car will handle well.
How much bang for your buck do you want?, rebuilding the front end will improve your cars handling anyway, the time and expense involved with a steering rack conversion might not give you much more benefit for your money.
However if you go ahead I wish you good luck and hope all goes well. Don't forget to post some pictures for us please.
Roger.
#7
Custom modifications are great, and we all love to see them, but I doubt that you'll get any more actual improvement out of this than just upgrading your steering box.
I'm watching because I love stuff like this, but, aside from the fun of making something that nobody else has, I doubt you'll get much out of it.
- Eric
I'm watching because I love stuff like this, but, aside from the fun of making something that nobody else has, I doubt you'll get much out of it.
- Eric
#8
#9
Hmmm I like the look of that N rack. I understand the bumpsteer issue well. My main concern (other than safety) is I want to be able to run some headers. As of now, I can only get manifolds to fit. And as you all know, the average Olds manifold does not flow that well. As Joe can verify there is no room between the block and the steering box on these things. I also like the centerlink option too. I have the GP rack simply because I was parting the car and had this in mind so I'm not out a lot of $$$$. Looks like some more investigating on my part.
#10
Joe, on your first post with the pics, the first pic after the diagram, where did you get it? It looks like the center portion was turned around so the bolt holes are facing the back. That may just be as close to perfect as I can think of right now.
#11
That one is actually set up for an A-body, so it's front steer, not rear steer.
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noeatnosleep
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July 2nd, 2011 12:30 PM