Issues stabbing the steering rack

[NotSatisfied]

I got a replacement steering rack and as a result I opted for new bushings. I have a Team Z K member and the rack that I pulled off has offset bushings. When I installed these I did the best I could to orient the new ones in the same “clocked” position. Yesterday when trying to install, it just wouldn’t go on, I’m not sure if I’m doing something wrong or if there is a trick to this. I suspect the bushing orientation is just not correct and it’s binding on the mounting poles. Also is it better to connect the power steering hoses first and then stab? Any help would be appreciated.

Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

 

[NotSatisfied]

Some one states that the bushings were originally not correct (from previous owner) and the holes should be on bottom


Sent from my iPhone using svtperformance.com

 

[2003RedfireVert]

When I had offsets on my GT the holes were on the bottom so that it lifted the rack up to reduce the bumpsteer due to lowering.

 

[2003RedfireVert]

I’ll also add, it took a few times to get the bushings lined up properly so the rack would go on. On my cobra I went with solid bushings and it was way easier to install.

 

[NotSatisfied]

I’ll also add, it took a few times to get the bushings lined up properly so the rack would go on. On my cobra I went with solid bushings and it was way easier to install.

Ok so these are split bushings, two pieces. Should I put the back half of the bushings on the rack first then put the rack on and complete the install by installing the front facing halves? I feel that would be the way to do it. Also do I need to attach the lines to the rack before stabbing it?


Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

 

[2003RedfireVert]

Ok so these are split bushings, two pieces. Should I put the back half of the bushings on the rack first then put the rack on and complete the install by installing the front facing halves? I feel that would be the way to do it. Also do I need to attach the lines to the rack before stabbing it?


Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

I would attach the lines before (at least hand tight). Then tighten them down after the rack fully seated.

I believe I installed the rear bushings first, got the rack on and then installed the front bushings. It’s been awhile though since I did the install on my GT.

 

[NotSatisfied]

I would attach the lines before (at least hand tight). Then tighten them down after the rack fully seated.

I believe I installed the rear bushings first, got the rack on and then installed the front bushings. It’s been awhile though since I did the install on my GT.

Thanks a lot! I don’t have the wheels on the car so I imagine the steering shaft will go on with no issue afterwards. Speaking of which I took the interior U joint off the shaft by accident and there was a spring in there that came with it. Any idea if that goes on first then the interior i joint then the shaft?


Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

 

[2003RedfireVert]

Thanks a lot! I don’t have the wheels on the car so I imagine the steering shaft will go on with no issue afterwards. Speaking of which I took the interior U joint off the shaft by accident and there was a spring in there that came with it. Any idea if that goes on first then the interior i joint then the shaft?


Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

Im not sure on the spring. I would also put the shaft on prior to backing the rack all the way up to the K member. I just did this with my longtubes and I couldn’t put the shaft on without the rack backed off the frame. It could have been me though….

Maybe someone will chime in on the spring.

 

[01yellercobra]

I like to use a little grease or anti-sieze in situations like this. Makes things slide together easier. And they come apart easier in the future.

I put the back bushing in the rack, slid the rack on, then installed the front bushing. The steering shaft should be able to be installed with the rack mounted. It telescopes towards the firewall. It might be sticky depending on mileage, use, dirt, etc.

I'm pretty sure the spring goes above the U joint.

 

[NotSatisfied]

I like to use a little grease or anti-sieze in situations like this. Makes things slide together easier. And they come apart easier in the future.

I put the back bushing in the rack, slid the rack on, then installed the front bushing. The steering shaft should be able to be installed with the rack mounted. It telescopes towards the firewall. It might be sticky depending on mileage, use, dirt, etc.

I'm pretty sure the spring goes above the U joint.

Thanks for your help, the shaft came out no problem but the shaft that’s going in is a MM solid piece. Hopefully no issues.


Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

 

[01yellercobra]

It's been a bit since I looked at my MM steering shaft, but it should still telescope. The solid part is just the lack of the rubber part.

 

[NotSatisfied]

**** me dead. God dammit.

I got the lines screwed on half way before I installed the rack on the kmember. I think the Teflon o ring got bound up in the threads. Not what. This is unreal.


Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

 

[NotSatisfied]

Very disappointed in myself. Damn.

Guess the rack is going to the scrap yard.

 

[01yellercobra]

I'd reach out to a hydraulic shop before jumping that far. You're not the first person to mess up threads like that. And I'd be shocked if there isn't a tap somewhere that could clean them up.

 

[Bullitt1448]

ORB fittings should be bolt thread, taps will be readily available

 

[NotSatisfied]

ORB fittings should be bolt thread, taps will be readily available

but i dont think it can be retapped without drilling it one size larger

 

[Bullitt1448]

I would try first, you never know, for the price of a tap, it's worth a shot

 

[wckdvnm]

Wouldn’t there be a way to convert it to maybe a larger diameter with a AN fitting. Worth a shot


Sent from my iPhone using svtperformance.com

 

[NotSatisfied]

Wouldn’t there be a way to convert it to maybe a larger diameter with a AN fitting. Worth a shot


Sent from my iPhone using svtperformance.com

Interesting. I may pick up another one and repair and sell this one. I don’t have time. Cars been sitting on the pinch welds for 7 weeks now


Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

 

[DSG2003Mach1]

but i dont think it can be retapped without drilling it one size larger

there also may be an adapter to step it up a size but understand wanting the damned thing done