suspension type

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Nov 16, 2007 | 10:59 AM

Steve636

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4th Gear

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suspension type

hey everyone, im new here, my name is steve.... i recently purchased an 84 corvette... it needs a rack and pinion but when i went to buy one, i was told that there are two different racks depending on the suspension package my vette has.... how do i determine which suspension mine has?? Thanks....

-Steve...

Nov 16, 2007 | 11:02 AM

All2kool

Drifting

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From: Beaverton Oregon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve636

Check the RPO Codes listed in the rear storage compartment. If you see a Z51, you will want the Performance Handling rack. If no Z51, a standard rack will do. Either will work actually. Another way to check: If you have the Z51 Performance Handling package, your steering wheel will make two complete turns, if you do not have the Z51 Performance Handling, it will turn more than twice, 2.5 times as I recall.

Of course, the possibility that you have a Z51 Performance Handling Steering Box and no RPO Code to depict it exists, as is with my car. I do not have the Z51 Performance Handling, but my steering wheel only makes two complete turns.
.

Last edited by All2kool; Nov 16, 2007 at 11:08 AM.

Nov 16, 2007 | 01:13 PM

Steve636

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oh very good... would i be better off with the Z51 rack, does it provide better handling? Or does it not make any difference.. If there wouldn't be much of a difference id probably opt for which ever was cheaper, lol...
thanks for the input this is very helpful!
-Steve

Nov 16, 2007 | 02:00 PM

All2kool

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From: Beaverton Oregon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve636

Car does not 'handle better' with the Z51 Performance Steering Rack, it just takes less turning (of the steering wheel) to steer the car. The Z51 Performance Handling option included more than just a tighter turning radius (of the steering wheel, not the car). Stiffer shocks & wider wheels were also part of the Z51 option.
.

Last edited by All2kool; Nov 16, 2007 at 02:06 PM.

Nov 16, 2007 | 03:02 PM

Steve636

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4th Gear

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oh ok, so the shorter steering radius of the wheel, would mean it has a lower ratio... this should translate to quicker steering response due to less steering wheel movement for more wheel movement... thanks for the info man...
-steve

Nov 16, 2007 | 03:16 PM

All2kool

Drifting

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From: Beaverton Oregon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve636

... this should translate to quicker steering response due to less steering wheel movement for more wheel movement...

Exactly.

Nov 16, 2007 | 05:25 PM

c4cruiser

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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69

NCM Sinkhole Donor

You may find that the cost of a remanufactured Z51 rack is slightly less than the cost of a "standard" R&P unit. Remans will work fine; expect the cost of an AC Delco rack to be 2X that of the reman units that most shops install.

Also install new tie rod ends at the same time. They don't cost a lot, your existing ends have to be swapped to the new rack, and that will make sure that your new steering is precise. Get Moog or AC Delco tie rod ends; either one is very good.