anyone ever see a rack and pinion steering mounted to the axle like this?? is this okay? the steering shaft would have to do the in and out , up and down movements. I have seen this on one other rod, do not like it.
Hope I dont meet the the car on the road with this setup, looks like a disaster ready to happen to me.
IMO, there is no gain in the use of a rack and pinion steering gear that would justify the engineering compromises this types of installation requires. While rack and pinion steering CAN offer some useful improvement on some vehicles, they have become a "must" in some people's minds and they seemingly do not know, or care, about the engineering integrity and/or safety of their dubious modifications.
Looks similar to a prototype motor home I worked on many years ago. The concept "works", but has three big problems. First, as you stated, is the complicated steering shaft arrangement. Second are the very large shock loads the axle is subjected to, which are transmitted directly to the rack ***embly. Third, the rack is now more exposed to road rash, contamination and damage. IMHO, not a good design.
The concept is not good to start with. Yes I know that there are dirt and modified cars that run racks on axle cars. But on the street the sliding and moving steering shafts require too much maintenance to keep them working well. And in this scenario, the long, small diameter bolts that are holding the rack to the axle are an accident about to happen. This one is a death trap in my opinion
Poor design Extra unsprung weight. When the long bolts that hold the rack on or the steering shaft fails from flopping around on the I beam its going to be ugly. A rack should be mounted to a crossmember.
http://midfifty.com/item.php?INV_ID=5874 RACK & PINION STEERING KIT FOR STOCK AXLE Fits: 1953-56 Ford F-100 trucks Part #:4610 Price: $699.00KIT Qty:<INPUT style="WIDTH: 40px" id=QTY cl***=rght value=1> Each truck takes: 1 ADD TO CART + Wish List Kit comes with power rack & pinion, rack to axle mounting plate and hardware. Custom made steering arms, tie rod ends, lower u-joint and steering shaft, and all mounting hardware. ALERT: See instructions when installing, improper installation voids warranty. This is a nice kit, but be aware the axle moves up and down, so a slip shaft style shaft is included. All kits include new steering arms to correct accerman, and reduce bump-steer. More exhaust clearance than a stock box. Works with any height springs & axles. You can use a stock or aftermarket steering column. A power steering pump is required. Includes: **Power Rack & Pinion, ** Tie Rod Ends** Rack & Pinion Mount Kit, ** Steering Arms ** u-joint for Rack & Pinion ** All necessary hardware ****KIT WILL NOT WORK WITH STOCK 3 SPEED COLUMN SHIFT as there is not enough room for shift linkage. if instructions are not followed carefully on install, wrong plumbing order can cause blown top seal. If leak detected on install is usually blown seal caused by improper application of pressure internally due to improper plumbing. Sy prefers the "toyota style" or power ***ist to this set-up.
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