'34 Dodge steering

New to this so please forgive any sophomoric-ish questions. I am looking for the best options for a vintage steering column and rack and pinion set up that will fit with the original crossmember and IFS in my '34 Dodge. As far as the rack, if going with a new Mustang II type of set up is the only way then I guess that's what I'll do but I really like the look of the original suspension regardless of the performance differences.

Thanks - er

 

You probably would like a rack from either an 88-94 Chevy Corsicia or a 93-95 Dodge Intrepid. The Corsicia is a rear steer rack, and the Intrepid is a front steer rack. Don't know if your Dodge is a front steer or rear steer.

The advantages of these racks over the Mustang II racks is that the inner tie rod connections are at the center of the rack instead of at the ends like the Mustang rack is. (see pictures) This results in very long tie rod ***emblies, much like the original old steering componets. You will probably have to shorten the GM and the Dodge tie rods to fit your car! You may also have to do some creative things where you hook up the late model tie rod ends to your old spindles. I ended up welding the tie rod holes on my original spindle holes shut on my 39 Plymouth and redrilling and retappering the holes. The new tie rod ends were a smaller diameter then the original stuff was. I used the GM rack and the Dodge tie rods (I had the Dodge tie rods on hand). Be warned, the GM rack has a special ujoint end for the steering column. (Dodge is a standard 3/4" DD) You will need a 94 & up GM intermediate shaft (the pre 94 shafts are not available but the 94 up interchange) to connect to the steering rack or secure the intermediate shaft from a junk yard.

Pictures are: my original 39 steering box and tie rods (top of picture) and the steering rack from a Dodge Intrepid (the GM rack looks the same and the parts interchange between the two, the GM rack is just a rear steer) and its tie rods. A view of the rack and the tie rod ends. A side view of the motor mounted before the rack and an after the rack view of the motor mounted. The original steering box sits inside of the frame rail and above it, the rack sits under the frame, only the steering shaft and the power steering hoses are between the frame and the motor.
Gene

 

Thanks Gene. I really appreciate the info.