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Rack and Pinion

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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 03:48 AM
  #1  
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Default Rack and Pinion

Looking to upgrade my steering since I have my motor out... lots of room. I am looking for input from anyone who has a rack and pinion on their C3, I found 2 different ones.
Steeroids
Unisteer
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 08:51 AM
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Flaming river cradle rack 'n pinion looks like the easiest install. No experience whatsoever though, other than a fellow clubmember has it on his '76 and is rather pleased with it. His turning radius went to hell though (not great to begin with of course ).
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 09:23 AM
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I installed the SpeedDirect Steeroids R&P this spring to replace the OEM power steering. I thought the instructions were easy to understand and any potential pitfalls were noted; such as the possibility of needing to notch the left motor mount for u-joint setscrew clearance. And that most lower steering column bearings are sloppy and should be replaced before installing their R&P. The SpeedDirect website has loads of good info regarding their kit.

I even installed mine with the header sidepipes in place. I only have ~350 miles since the install, but what a world of driving difference! I have the F41 suspension which is ~1" lower than stock. The Steeroids has adjustable tierod ends to eliminate bump steer. I don't believe other brands have it. I would recommend this kit to anyone who isn't concerned with originality...although nothing is permanently altered so the OEM steering can be put back if desired.

Also included are specific alignment specs. To get the recommended maximum amount of positive caster I also installed offset upper control shafts and had them slotted .250" toward the front as shown by forum member norvalwilhelm's post from a few years ago.

BTW, SpeedDirect is a forum sponsor and will give members a 10% discount if ordering direct rather than through a vendor.

Last edited by 69 Chevy; Jul 24, 2011 at 09:33 AM.
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 09:23 AM
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Default Rack & Pinion

I installed a V B P rack on my 74 about 10 months ago,Great handling,did not affect turning radius.Only issue was tweaking a header tube. John
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 11:07 AM
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Save your money and get your OEM box custom blueprinted/rebuilt since the motor is out. When built correctly the OEM box is pretty darn good!!
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 11:32 AM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by jb78L-82
When built correctly the OEM box is pretty darn good!!
Agreed. But you still have that Rube Goldberg control valve and slave cylinder that is sloppy and prone to leaks. A R&P has less moving parts which means less future maintenance.
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 11:35 AM
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Originally Posted by 69 Chevy
I installed the SpeedDirect Steeroids R&P this spring to replace the OEM power steering. I thought the instructions were easy to understand and any potential pitfalls were noted; such as the possibility of needing to notch the left motor mount for u-joint setscrew clearance. And that most lower steering column bearings are sloppy and should be replaced before installing their R&P. The SpeedDirect website has loads of good info regarding their kit.

I even installed mine with the header sidepipes in place. I only have ~350 miles since the install, but what a world of driving difference! I have the F41 suspension which is ~1" lower than stock. The Steeroids has adjustable tierod ends to eliminate bump steer. I don't believe other brands have it. I would recommend this kit to anyone who isn't concerned with originality...although nothing is permanently altered so the OEM steering can be put back if desired.

Also included are specific alignment specs. To get the recommended maximum amount of positive caster I also installed offset upper control shafts and had them slotted .250" toward the front as shown by forum member norvalwilhelm's post from a few years ago.

BTW, SpeedDirect is a forum sponsor and will give members a 10% discount if ordering direct rather than through a vendor.


Originally Posted by jb78L-82
Save your money and get your OEM box custom blueprinted/rebuilt since the motor is out. When built correctly the OEM box is pretty darn good!!
yea, i agree "pretty darn good!!" but still not as good as R&P... also the R&P is way lighter, and easier to align, along with better more responsive and more linear handling. jmho
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 11:37 AM
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Originally Posted by jb78L-82
... When built correctly the OEM box is pretty darn good!!
Yes.
A C3 & C4 (R&P) were modified together for over 1g handling & the C3 steering was preferred!
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 11:42 AM
  #9  
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Do it,great upgrade
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 11:57 AM
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I also just rebuilt my 76 motor and while it was out i installed the vb&p rack went in with no trouble or mods i also went with their front composit spring no more coil springs i love that.
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 12:43 PM
  #11  
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IF the OP can fabricate, I willing to send a file of the brackets I made before any kits were out on the market.....

winter 01-02 and still online ten years and 100k miles later....

other folks need learn how to build brackets....I guess....

and do it with just TWO universal joints...

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