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rack n pinion swap

Started by mauve66, November 14, 2012, 10:05:23 PM

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mauve66

i find setups for 68up b bodies but any reason it wouldn't work for a 66?? same k frame and other steering parts in the same place, right??  or wrong???
Robert-Las Vegas, NV

NEEDS:
body work
paint - mauve and black
powder coat wheels - mauve and black
total wiring
PW
PDLKS
Tint
trim
engine - 520/540, eddy heads, 6pak
alignment

Mopar Nut

"Dear God, my prayer for 2024 is a fat bank account and a thin body. Please don't mix these up like you did the last ten years."

HPP

Sorta. They use similar parts in the same places, but the 66-67 models used a different idler arm mount that may not be compatible with the rack mount design of a post '68 system.


IMO, just a simple rack conversion is really not a performance enhancement without converting to a whole new front suspesion system. My logic for that is the rack has a reduced turning radius compared to the stock box. It also may, depending on several factors, increase bumpsteer characteristics. While its feel compared to an old or even a basic rebuilt box may be superior, that can be overcome with a better stock style box, like a Firm Feel,  or a conversion to the newer Delphi units. In those regard, the only advantage the rack has is lighter weight and the Delphi box is coming close to that.


Mike DC

Agree.

R/P conversion isn't the best way to tighten up the steering if that's all you're after.  Fresh tightened up (Mopar) steering box + more caster in the suspension works fine. 


cdr

my r & p works just fine,had to do some mods to make it work correctly ,but glad i went with it  :Twocents:  its not a direct bolt on like they say in the instructions,but all the problems are fixable . yes mine has the same turning radius as a gear box.
LINK TO MY STORY http://www.onallcylinders.com/2015/11/16/ride-shares-charlie-keel-battles-cancer-ms-to-build-brilliant-1968-dodge-charger/  
                                                                                           
68 Charger 512 cid,9.7to1,Hilborn EFI,Home ported 440 source heads,small hyd roller cam,COLD A/C ,,a518 trans,Dana 60 ,4.10 gear,10.93 et,4100lbs on street tires full exhaust daily driver
Charger55 by Charlie Keel, on Flickr

mauve66

Quote from: HPP on November 15, 2012, 10:49:26 AM
Sorta. They use similar parts in the same places, but the 66-67 models used a different idler arm mount that may not be compatible with the rack mount design of a post '68 system.


IMO, just a simple rack conversion is really not a performance enhancement without converting to a whole new front suspesion system. My logic for that is the rack has a reduced turning radius compared to the stock box. It also may, depending on several factors, increase bumpsteer characteristics. While its feel compared to an old or even a basic rebuilt box may be superior, that can be overcome with a better stock style box, like a Firm Feel,  or a conversion to the newer Delphi units. In those regard, the only advantage the rack has is lighter weight and the Delphi box is coming close to that.



thnaks, firm feel box will be cheaper i'm guessing also
delphi - just comes up under a bunch of threads, no manufacturer site???
Robert-Las Vegas, NV

NEEDS:
body work
paint - mauve and black
powder coat wheels - mauve and black
total wiring
PW
PDLKS
Tint
trim
engine - 520/540, eddy heads, 6pak
alignment

HPP

Quote from: cdr on November 15, 2012, 02:27:35 PM
my r & p works just fine,had to do some mods to make it work correctly ,but glad i went with it  :Twocents:  its not a direct bolt on like they say in the instructions,but all the problems are fixable . yes mine has the same turning radius as a gear box.

Anything is workable, but with the high number of bolt and go enthusiasts today, I've seen many more reports of disappointment than satisfaction.

http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=7243014&an=0&page=0#Post7243014

Quote from: mauve66 on November 16, 2012, 12:21:50 PM
thnaks, firm feel box will be cheaper i'm guessing also
delphi - just comes up under a bunch of threads, no manufacturer site???

Delphi stuff can be picked up from Summit, but is not a cheap swap, especially compared to a Firm Feel, Good read on it here:
Quote from: cdr on November 15, 2012, 02:27:35 PM
my r & p works just fine,had to do some mods to make it work correctly ,but glad i went with it  :Twocents:  its not a direct bolt on like they say in the instructions,but all the problems are fixable . yes mine has the same turning radius as a gear box.

http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=7243014&an=0&page=0#Post7243014