Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

I am hoping that others will chime in also. Our rack system turns lock to lock in 2 3/4 turns, which is much faster than a box. Eliminating the drag link and all of the extra tie rod ends also helps to tighten up the steering, giving the driver a better feel. The inner pivit points and Tie rod length are set to eliminate the factory bumpsteer. All of this adds up to a truck that drives and steers like a new truck or car.

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Will it work on my 68 K-10?

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

sorry, 2wd only

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

would you know what I need to convert to power steering? 68 K-10

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

I would hunt down the P/S box & linkage from a 71-72 K10, bolts on direct, or the 73-87 4x4 , but this will require a bit of fab work. Just trying to help here, I really don't know too much about the 4x4 stuff. I'm sure some members know a lot more than me.

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

I want to get this set up for the '82 I'm building for my son. What is the issue that I have read about when using the stock 73-87 lower a arms? Has that been resolved?

Also, we did the same sectioning of the frame to raise the cross member like you did on JT. Does that effect the install of your rack in anyway? We are running McGaughy 2 1/2" drop spindles too.

Thanks, Karl

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

If you want to see one in action, check out Smitty's build thread. Nice truck Chris.

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

The problem with the stock 73-87 arms is the size of the bushings. Most aftermarket arms will clear. Since the rack is mounted to the crossmember, raising it has no effect on the steering geometry.

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Thanks Rob. Brothers had one on there site that looked like the one on here. I called them and they said that they get them from you. During July they had them on sale with another 10% off on top of that. I call your shop and spoke with a young lady (you where out that day) and she could not match the price I was getting at Brothers so, I ordered one on the 23rd and yesterday they said I should have it by the end of next week.

If it hits the stock arms/bushings, I might just switch to a after market lower arm. I want to keep the coils spring for now, is there an arm you would recommend for that?

Thanks,

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

You could also run pre-73 lower arms if the budget required.

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

I'd look at Nates new 'forward' lower arm, or Cpp for a stock coil.

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

PB's 'forward arm' should help w/the caster too.

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Working a deal with Nate to package the P/S rack and a set of his "Forward Lower" A-arms. This combo will add caster, center the wheel and deliver great steering. Check out the suspension marketplace.

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Aw, c'mon! Too tempting. Should be a great setup
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Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Rob

I got an issue I need your help on. I have your Rack and Pinion kit and PB Forward Lower Arms for my son's '82 that we are building. I have it all mounted now I am working on the steering linkage.

Where do you mount the support bearing on the frame rail. The factory holes are in different spots then on the 67-72 models. I have also raised the crossmemember in the frame like you did on JT. Any guidlines you can give me on where to put the bearing??

Thanks,

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Any updates?

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Aggie, I'll have some picts up in a bit. With the raised crossmember, you will need a different type bearing support. I can help you with that.

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Yes, both Nate and No Limit have this package available now.

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

That would be great. I think this is the last piece I need before the frame comes apart for blasting and paint....

Thanks,

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Rob

I got your rack and started the install. I have an issue with one of the adapters for the rod ends. One will only thread on about a 1/4 inch onto the rack end. The jam nut goes all the way on fine. I think the internal threads on the adapter are messed up. What is the thread type so I can get a tap and chase the threads?
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Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Rob, did you ever get the pictures of the support bearing for the 73-87 frame set ujp? I will send you a PM also. So far the install went well and looks good. There are some pictures in Korbin's build thread in my sig below. I just need the above issue solved and the support bearing and we can move onto getting the rest of the truck together.

Thanks for a great product. I am looking forward driving this set up with PB Forward Arms.

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Thought I would post up some pic's of my install on Korbin's '82 C-10. We raised the crossmember up into the frame 1.5" and also used Porterbuilt's new Forward Arms (Lowers only at this point). Here are some pictures from this past weekend:
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/i...91/FrontPS.jpghttp://i266.photobucket.com/albums/i...91/FrontDS.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/i...lk91/Front.jpg

I still need to do the support bearing, but I am waiting on Rob to post up some pictures of the correct set up for a '73-'87 frame rail. I have a PS pump, hoses, and cooler from a 2000 GMC that we are going to use in the final installation. Enjoy!

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

With a raised crossmember, you need to raise the idler bearing also. I would set the cab on, install the column, and then lay out the steering shaft.

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Thanks, Rob. I got the adapter yesterday. Tried in on the Passenger side this morning and it fits fine. I need to check the Driver side since that is the side we had issues with. I will do that this afternoon on the way home from work.

I have a bearing like you showed above, once the cab floor is done and under side is painted, we will put it on and set up the rest of the steering system.

Thanks again!

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

I finally got the time in the shop to put the new adapter on and get that steering bolted together, just need to mount the cab to finish it off...

With the rod ends and adapters all together and both threaded all the way in, I have a bunch of toe out. What should I do to be able to adjust this down for a range between toe out and toe in? Should I cut a little off the rack ends? How much?

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Karl, did you ever get this resolved?

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

I got all the parts together and fit to the chassis. I have not heard from Rob on what I should do to fit the extreme toe out issue. I say extreme since it is about 1/4"-3/8" toed out with the adjustments all the way in...:waah:

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

I've heard that there is some clearance issues with the tie rod ends and the posi links when using a Ride Tech Musclebar?.....looks like there is lots of room for the steering shaft with the LS with headers?...thats good news...

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Karl, I will check on an OD rack measurement for you on thursday.

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Rob

Did you happen to get the measurement of the overall rack width? I appreciate all your help with this project.

Happy New Year!

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

good luck. I still want one of these but I hope you get all yours worked out.

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Rob

here are some pictures of my install I am trying to do. It looks like I can get a single shaft from the column to the Ujoint on the rack without needing the third joint and support bearing. I do not mind cutting the frame rail and I might even weld back in a strip on the engine side of the flange to "capture the shaft in the frame rail flange. Also, should I cut off about 1" of the column shaft to get the Ujoint further away to help with the angles?

I am going to try to call you later today. I might have to wait to talk to you if your at GG's in TX this weekend. Anyway here are some pictures:

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps132af9ea.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps244c31ff.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps885c8913.jpg http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/i...psa6d96a4f.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/i...psadac2cb7.jpg

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Got my steering shaft hooked up. For what ever reason, I did not get the correct U-Joint for the column to shaft. I have to get the correct one for the final assebly, but this one worked out real well for moch up. Ended up going with a straight shaft from the column to the U-Joint on the rack.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/i...psd8d310b8.jpg

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Great Karl. glad to see it hooked up.

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Rob,

I really appreciate the work you're doing with C10's to get them to handle better! The "Make it handle" thread, along with a trip to see the Goodguys autoX has completely change the build direction of my '66 C10.

I had planned to build my own A-arms but noticed this package deal and figured I'd see what the price was before I went out and bought everything to build my own arm- might not be worth the time and effort if I can just buy them already built like I want (1" forward, added castor, bag plates). I will be going with your R&P kit either way. I searched the suspension marketplace but didn't see the rack/arm combo listed anywhere.

Thank you for your time and commitment to the forum!

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

thats looks perfect! do you need a support bearing? Maybe with the close tolerances to the frame it's best for deflection (if there is any/no idea)

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Typically the support bearing is only needed when you add a thrid u-joint in the shaft linkage. I wanted to avoid the 3rd joint, so I took some measurements and figured out that a single shaft with a joint on each end would work.

I hope to have the truck running and driving by end of next month so I can give a bit of feed back on the steering and linkage.

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

Is it the end of the next month yet :lol: I know you're not ready to drive it yet but I'd love to hear your comments on how the steering works/feels.

Re: 63-87 rack and pinion
 

x2!