The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 50 Chevy Truck,Rack and Pinion

Could Someone tell Me WHICH 'Rack and Pinion' Setup works Best on Our 'Old Chevy Trucks'???? I'll be damned if I'm gonna pay $900.oo for a "Rack Kit"....
Any help identifying the Rack Unit would be a Big Help. I can handle the swap and install, just figure Save some Trouble if I ask Help from GUYS That did 'This' before Me.
Thank YOU,in advance for ANY Help or Guidance..

ANY R&P system is a giant leap backwards in reliability, and safety of operation. If you simply MUST butcher up a good steering and suspension design for some reason, at least use a complete frame clip with factory-engineered parts that work properly together like a Nova or Camaro. You'll be ahead money and time-wise, and you won't be a deadly dangerous hazard to navigation to the rest of us who have to share the road with you!
Jerry

To 2nd the Hotrod Lincoln mssg consider a pro rebuild of the stock steering box, i didn't see what year you have but a rebuild in my 46 was a sea change for the better, it's not like my Miata but.....it ain't bad at all.

The simple answer is NONE. By the nature of the beast the rack must be mounted to the front axle and the steering shaft is mounted to the frame/body. This means there must be a slip joint in the steering shaft that has to slide in and out as each bump in the road is passed over. The ONLY way the slip joint is aligned is when the pinion shaft is directly in line with the centerline of the shaft. Any above or below shaft position is putting the joint in a bind and grease can only correct for so much. If driving on only bowling lanes and pool tables I see no problem. They make a rack called Unisteer that uses cross steering which decreases joint movement but it's still there. If one wants a modern steering feel then look into having the box rebuilt by Lares followed by an electric power steering set up from a Prius. With p/s one can install increased caster shims, set the throttle and get into the bed while the truck goes 50mph STRAIGHT down the road. Dragsters are going 330mph with the same straight axle set up and radical caster.

Don’t discard the original stuff!

I rebuilt/refurbished my 51 GMC 1 ton front end components and box and it steers beautifully. 60mph down the road, arrow straight, light finger touch; I was shocked when my truck was completed how nicely it steered. You might be surprised at how easy it can be. And it wasn’t $900, I can tell you that!

With radials and no power steering, parallel parking can be a chore though! However, I usually park way at the other end of a lot just so ding dongs don’t smuck the side of my truck with their doors.