Technical Rack and pinion in Ford F-1?

Thinking about installing a rack and pinion kit in my 1950 F-1. Not really traditional, but neither are the power disk brakes already on it. The kits I've researched look like they could be taken back off and put back to stock. Mainly doing this for safety and so I can tow my Retro Camper trailer. I drive this truck almost daily and take it out of town on occasion. Planning a trip to Kentucky in June with the trailer and want to be safe. The truck is okay now but when you have something in tow, the steering is scary.

My question is: Has anyone done this conversion and how is it? I don't want to sub it. I want to keep the straight axle. Thanks for any and all info. Ron

 

I haven't seen a kit but flaming river makes a pretty nice rack that is dead on one side. I have installed them on mid '50s cars and trucks, not my favorite steering setup but they do work well and seem to hold up. At least not done one since about the turn of the century and have had no complaints yet.

 

Rack and Pinions on a straight axle require that the rack be mounted to the axle, lest you get horrible bump steer. When you mount the rack to the axle, you now need a sliding steering shaft to make up for the fact that the rack is moving up and down with the axle as you travel down the road. There are many conversations on here about it, personally I don't think the gains are worth the h***le of maintain the shaft and would just do a Vega box if you want a cross steer.

 

Anyone else? Anyone have any experience with any rebuilt gear boxes and/or who rebuilds them? Thanks, Ron

 

I used an F1 box in my roadster, it was pretty sloppy, so I replaced the worm gear and it
works pretty well now.

You can get a full rebuild kit here...

http://www.earlyfordstore.com/product_info.php/cPath/85_165/products_id/5453

Or you can just install a new worm gear for 50 bucks like I did.

Rich

 

Thanks rodster, I think I'll try that first. I have a extra steering box and I could build it first and then change it out.

 

I have had the r&p kit on my 49 for 2 years. I love it. Tight and smooth. NO bumpsteer. What's amazing is how much less noise comes off the front end. I'd recommend it any day.

 

I think El Polacko sells a R&P kit but it requires a new crossmember and Dakota pickup A-arms etc., but it looks like a real good set up, no half measures.