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Does steering rack exists on chevy b-body?

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#45 · (Edited)
Just wanted to say I love this thread. Haven't had a chance to read it all yet but I feel like a steering rack would be one of the most beneficial things one could do on these cars if done correctly. I'm running a turn 1 steering box on my build, and I have zero complaints. It FEELS like most cars i've driven with rack and pinion but the thing I love about rack and pinion is that it uses fewer linkage parts which is huge on a car this big, heavy with wide front tires. We all know how fast these cars eat through linkage parts and even when new how much flex could be in them. Fairly sure rack and pinion on these cars would create a huge improvement in steering feel.

Wish I took the time to try to make something on my build but just had too much other stuff going on with it.
 
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#46 ·
SSandman said:
... a steering rack-&-pinion would be one of the most beneficial things one could do on these cars
if done correctly.
Click to expand...
To my memory of several ISSF threads prior to Aug 2009, the geometry from the steering column to the rack would determine whether or not it was a resume enhancement, or a bona fide performance improvement.
 
Discussion starter · #48 · (Edited)
SSandman said:
Just wanted to say I love this thread. Haven't had a chance to read it all yet but I feel like a steering rack would be one of the most beneficial things one could do on these cars if done correctly. I'm running a turn 1 steering box on my build, and I have zero complaints. It FEELS like most cars i've driven with rack and pinion but the thing I love about rack and pinion is that it uses fewer linkage parts which is huge on a car this big, heavy with wide front tires. We all know how fast these cars eat through linkage parts and even when new how much flex could be in them. Fairly sure rack and pinion on these cars create a huge improvement in steering feel.

Wish I took the time to try to make something on my build but just had too much other stuff going on with it.
Click to expand...
3D scanning will help.
Know who can scan but he need payment.
I do not promise the installation of rack and the final result, but we can try for 30 years.
May be donation from forum is possible?
 
Discussion starter · #51 · (Edited)
For a first lookup the place for rack and moving brace like astro must me here:
Image


:unsure:

The rack housing will partially affect the center link, which is already wrong. and given that a bracket is needed, it is more logical to position the steering rack as in the figure.

The r&p outter tube diameter is about 50mm for bmw e30.
 
#53 ·
Columbus said:
View attachment 207311
Click to expand...
And I bet someone is very proud of that.

What I see is inner pivots a mile from the centerline of the rack .
Any large forces on the linkage when ever the tie rod is not in perfect line ( only would happen at one point in travel) will try to move the tie rod up or down creating a twisting force on the rack shaft. This binding the gear, wearing things out or loosening that entire carriage they made.
Sure they strapped on a little pair of guide rollers to a bracket that is pinch clamped to the rack housing but how long before it shifts or crap gets jammed between the rollers and carrage.

The above is my opinion , feel free to disagree.
If you are trying to do this whole deal to prove a point, great.
If you are trying to build a marketable kit, I feel you are going to find no market.
 
#54 ·
Agreed. A recirculating ball and sector gear is virtually bullet-proof as long as it is lubricated. No one, almost EVER, replaced a Saginaw steering box unless they wanted to go to a variable ratio (F-Body) or the box was damaged in an accident or from running it out of oil. Steering racks are replaced almost as much as ball joints due to wear, and the resultant leakage. That should define the potential demand.
 
Discussion starter · #56 ·
Blue Bowtie said:
Agreed. A recirculating ball and sector gear is virtually bullet-proof as long as it is lubricated. No one, almost EVER, replaced a Saginaw steering box unless they wanted to go to a variable ratio (F-Body) or the box was damaged in an accident or from running it out of oil. Steering racks are replaced almost as much as ball joints due to wear, and the resultant leakage. That should define the potential demand.
Click to expand...
Agreed.
 
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