Rack and Pinion
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 33
From: Van Steel Corvettes
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Rack and Pinion
Anyone have an idea on how hard and how long it will take to replace the Rack and Pinion on a 96 LT-1? Went to have the car aligned and they said the Rack has about an inch of play in it. My last alignment in February only lasted about a month so I don't doubt it's the cause...
Is there anything else I should/could replace while I'm in there? Also, do I have any options for the Rack and Pinion? Like a light weight unit, or lower ratio unit from a Z-51?
Is there anything else I should/could replace while I'm in there? Also, do I have any options for the Rack and Pinion? Like a light weight unit, or lower ratio unit from a Z-51?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,564
Likes: 6
From: Woodstock Georgia
My FSM, if I read it correctly, makes it sound too easy. Remove the belt and belt tensioner from the top to get to the steering shaft pinch bolt.. Remove the shaft. From the bottom remove two lines, tie rod ends and 3 bolts. I believe it is also necessary to remove the right front wheel/tire in order tob slide the rack out. Just sounds too easy.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,564
Likes: 6
From: Woodstock Georgia
Your local auto parts store. Your play is most likely the inner tie rods, which are a separate part, but do come with the new rack. I would not replace just the inner tie rods anyway, do the whole thing. Then outer tie rods would be a good idea and then a new alignment will be needed.
Hope all this helps.
Hope all this helps.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,253
Likes: 2
From: Castro Valley CA
I need a new rack too. I use mine for racing, what do you think of this one:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...TODAY.m238.lVI
Does it provide better feel or a different ratio?
Does it provide better feel or a different ratio?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
I need a new rack too. I use mine for racing, what do you think of this one:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...TODAY.m238.lVI
Does it provide better feel or a different ratio?
Does it provide better feel or a different ratio?
Safety Car
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 4,010
Likes: 26
From: Somewhere nowhere
sounds curious. The later years only had 1 ratio rack, which was the slower ratio. let us know what you decide.
I brought an ebay rack for $90 , but it was a standard rebuild. nothing fancy.
I brought an ebay rack for $90 , but it was a standard rebuild. nothing fancy.
Last edited by larryfs; Dec 11, 2007 at 07:53 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 4,010
Likes: 26
From: Somewhere nowhere
the canada thing is more of a hassle, but the rack sounds interesting..
on the other hand, my business exports to CN all the time....
it says it;s a GM offer, but I know GM ran out a long time ago.
on the other hand, my business exports to CN all the time....
it says it;s a GM offer, but I know GM ran out a long time ago.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh Penna.
I replaced the rack on my 85. Along with considering replacing the tie rods this may be a good time to go with poly bushings for the rack also. It realy is not difficult to do and as others have said the new rack goes in surprisingly easier than it comes out. I got mine from Autozone for 158 if I remember. They had both the 21/2 turn and 2 turn Racks. I looked at Rockauto also but you have to ship them your old rack so it ended up being cheaper at Autozone
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 230
Likes: 1
From: Covington GA
And yes, the warranty disclaimer on that rack is downright scary. It'd be frightening enough to see that label on a lunchbox, let alone a steering rack.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 33
From: Van Steel Corvettes
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
They even have the Energy Suspension Bushing kit, which ironicly is the same part number for the 87 and 96. Hopefully they'll take my 96 as a core (has a $5 more core charge) and I'll order my new unit right after christmas. 
Last edited by shakedown067; Dec 12, 2007 at 03:52 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 230
Likes: 1
From: Covington GA
That'd be awesome since the 87 unit is $80 cheaper! They even have the Energy Suspension Bushing kit, which ironicly is the same part number for the 87 and 96. Hopefully they'll take my 96 as a core (has a $5 more core charge) and I'll order my new unit right after christmas.
They even have the Energy Suspension Bushing kit, which ironicly is the same part number for the 87 and 96. Hopefully they'll take my 96 as a core (has a $5 more core charge) and I'll order my new unit right after christmas.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 33
From: Van Steel Corvettes
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
I'll check to see if they have a 88 sport version. I just now thought about the wheel base being different on the 87 and earlier cars too. They have one for an 89, it's a bit more but that's not really what i'm worried about. I'm glad you pointed that out...thanks. Looks like 89 was the last year of the sport rack. the 90-96 all have the same part number. I'm going for the 89 sport rack!
Last edited by shakedown067; Dec 12, 2007 at 04:24 PM.
