Pwr rack conversion

[deadbodyman]

I just got done blasting ,painting and reassembling the frame and suspension on a 69 short bed. My steering box is leaking so instead of getting another and all the drag links and tie rod ends I figure I'll go ahead and put a pwr rack in it .
Does anyone have any advise on what kind of rack to get? It has the original steering pump. but it can also be swapped out...
I have welder and fab skills to get it in I just need to know which ones are the best to use.

[steelhorse]

I know that someone makes a kit to do this "unisteer I believe" but I don't know of anyone that has fabricated their own version.

[elimontfort]

Took about 30 seconds on google.

http://www.nolimitengineering.com/pr...tegory=6157532

[deadbodyman]

Originally Posted by steelhorse

I know that someone makes a kit to do this "unisteer I believe" but I don't know of anyone that has fabricated their own version.

I don't want a kit those kits run from 800 -1500 but you can get a new rack at O'riellies for around 200.00...I have a 48 Plymouth biz coupe that put an 80 camaro subframe in then I bagged it and put a pwr rack in from a 2000 Camaro.... It even works.
I figured I could save a bunch of cash fabing it in myself if I knew what to start with...I guess I could get the tape measure out and take a walk through the junk yard too see what ones will work if I have too. If the rack costs 200.00 and the kit runs 900. that leaves 700. for a bracket and two hoses ....I'm more of a "ruin it yourself" kind of guy and mabee just a little cheap too.

[2002yanks]

On mine i have a late 70s to early 90s mustang r&p. That`s what porterbuilt designs there dropmembers around.

[Lattimer]

Originally Posted by deadbodyman

I don't want a kit those kits run from 800 -1500 but you can get a new rack at O'riellies for around 200.00...I have a 48 Plymouth biz coupe that put an 80 camaro subframe in then I bagged it and put a pwr rack in from a 2000 Camaro.... It even works.
I figured I could save a bunch of cash fabing it in myself if I knew what to start with...I guess I could get the tape measure out and take a walk through the junk yard too see what ones will work if I have too. If the rack costs 200.00 and the kit runs 900. that leaves 700. for a bracket and two hoses ....I'm more of a "ruin it yourself" kind of guy and mabee just a little cheap too.

You need to go get a $25 junkyard rack out of a Mustang as mentioned. Most of the kits are based on these. Use the junkyard piece for mockup. If you have fabrication skills I can't see it being that bad. Hardest part from what I have seen is getting the PS pump relocated, as the steering shaft goes through that spot to get to the rack on a V-8 truck. The shaft is inside the frame on a rack vs. outside on a regular steering box. Might have to have a couple of adapter sleeves machined to mate up the rack to the stock tie rod ends.

[GASoline71]

Originally Posted by elimontfort

Took about 30 seconds on google.

http://www.nolimitengineering.com/pr...tegory=6157532

Sick... well worth the coin if it's a bolt in with minor fab work.

Gary

[mooseknuckles]

unisteer and no limit make the bolt in kits...you can use the 79-93 stang rack, and I've heard of using a t-bird rack too...there are a couple of build threads floating around but I'm not sure if they ever got it completed....

[hugger6933]

If I had to guess I'd say the T-Bird and Mustang rack is very dang near the same. I would try the 99-07 Silverado rack if it were me trying this and I have thought about it as well. But I would say the Silverado cause I have a ton of those years laying around my place junked out and the parts are everywhere. Jim

[cwilkie]

Just get your ps box rebuilt. I had a parts store ps box that I kept returning because it always leaked. I sent that cardone ps box to Blue Top Steering and it has not leaked since!

[SMKN TA 95]

I recently ordered the Unisteer kit as a custom order as I was not needing the power steering pump and remote tank/lines etc. I ordered it through Summit Racing and used my NHRA racer discount. I don't have the free time to hunt down a rack that might work and then deal with getting it mounted. Direct bolt on is worth alot in my book. The one from No-limit is nice but requires more work on install.

[deadbodyman]

Originally Posted by hugger6933

If I had to guess I'd say the T-Bird and Mustang rack is very dang near the same. I would try the 99-07 Silverado rack if it were me trying this and I have thought about it as well. But I would say the Silverado cause I have a ton of those years laying around my place junked out and the parts are everywhere. Jim

The Silverado has a R&P ? that would the one to look at then since the track width would be close to the same as the C-10...heck I'll get the pump and hoses too, while I'm at it

[GASoline71]

Looking at www.rockauto.com it look like the Silverado 1500's in those years had R&P Steering.

Just under 400 bucks with a core charge.

Gary

[Boog]

To my knowledge Chevy trucks have only had a recirculating ball steering sector such as this one. Can someone post a pic of a factory installed rack and pinion on a full size GM truck? I'd like to see it.

[aggie91]

Originally Posted by hugger6933

If I had to guess I'd say the T-Bird and Mustang rack is very dang near the same. I would try the 99-07 Silverado rack if it were me trying this and I have thought about it as well. But I would say the Silverado cause I have a ton of those years laying around my place junked out and the parts are everywhere. Jim

Originally Posted by deadbodyman

The Silverado has a R&P ? that would the one to look at then since the track width would be close to the same as the C-10...heck I'll get the pump and hoses too, while I'm at it

Here is the part number for the Silverado rack from Rockauto: A-1 CARDONE Part # 221000

I used the No Limit kit on my son's '82. Link is in my signature.

The kit uses a modified rack from the Silverado. The passenger side housing is cut off and rotated to have the lines in the front of the rack then welded back together. It's a great kit and works very well.

[Boog]

Thanks. I have never seen r&p on GM trucks.
My 3 trucks are 4wd so they have the conventional steering sectors.

[Andy4639]

Just Google R&P on 71 Chevy trucks.