Rack and pinion kits
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Rack and pinion kits
Hi guys I'm looking too change out my 81's power steering unit to the new rack and pinion conversion kit.I checked out two companys but before I buy one its always a go idea to ask people who have did it .Pro's or con's about doing it and the best one that you think is on the market.The only mod that my 81 has is the hooker side pipe exhaust I want make sure that it will fit with the type of system due to the fact that the front pipe right now is about a 1/16in away from the steering box now.THANK YOU for any input K C81
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
I have the Steeroids system on my '79. I also have Hooker Super Comp headers. System works great. The linkage from the steering column to the rack is challenging to install, but it can be done. I recently had a problem with one of the u-joints in the steering linkage coming apart. That is after about six years of use. I've ordered a new joint from Steeroids but haven't received it yet so I don't know if they've improved the design, but the original set up is a little Mickey Mouse. Overall I'm pretty happy with it. Its a huge improvement over the original recirculating ball design.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 664
Likes: 89
From: Marysville Ohio
I just installed the Speed Direct Steroids kit. I also have hooker side mount headers.
I had to clearance the headers in 2 places - drivers side tube where the new u-joints connect the rack to the steering column, and a very slight dimple on the passenger side where the rack mounting bracket is (most folks I have read/heard of have not had to do this).
I like the feel of it now, but at first, it felt a little too light. After installing and a little driving I decided to try to dial in the alignment myself (first time attempting that!). I am tracking straight, and have got it pretty close to the speed direct recommended specs for Camber, Caster and Toe. FYI - I added at least 2* caster, and it feels pretty good. The extra caster alone helped the feel. I am going to ask an alignment shop to check my work, but think it's very close to right.
I just drove it about 20 miles today to give it a shakedown. Overall - Very tight and responsive - I like it a lot. My old setup was stock, in passable shape and kept up, but was still 34 years old, so admittedly, part of that is comparing old to new.
Steeroids is not the cheapest way to go, but I think it's a quality kit if you want a rack. It comes with everything, and their customer service is very good if you need to call.
I had to clearance the headers in 2 places - drivers side tube where the new u-joints connect the rack to the steering column, and a very slight dimple on the passenger side where the rack mounting bracket is (most folks I have read/heard of have not had to do this).
I like the feel of it now, but at first, it felt a little too light. After installing and a little driving I decided to try to dial in the alignment myself (first time attempting that!). I am tracking straight, and have got it pretty close to the speed direct recommended specs for Camber, Caster and Toe. FYI - I added at least 2* caster, and it feels pretty good. The extra caster alone helped the feel. I am going to ask an alignment shop to check my work, but think it's very close to right.
I just drove it about 20 miles today to give it a shakedown. Overall - Very tight and responsive - I like it a lot. My old setup was stock, in passable shape and kept up, but was still 34 years old, so admittedly, part of that is comparing old to new.
Steeroids is not the cheapest way to go, but I think it's a quality kit if you want a rack. It comes with everything, and their customer service is very good if you need to call.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 456
Likes: 0
From: Forty Fort PA
I have the Steeroids (power steering) system on my 75 with Hooker Super Comps on my big block. The system fit perfectly without any mods to pipes. I like the feel of the steering. It is tight and crisp.
langg
langg
