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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: VeeTwin60 on March 24, 2008, 08:53:18 pm

Title: Rack & Pinion
Post by: VeeTwin60 on March 24, 2008, 08:53:18 pm

I was wondering if there is a rack & pinion conversion "kit" for our trucks.  Has anyone seen this, or is this something that would have to be custom built?  And, if that's the case, has anyone here done it?

Title: Re: Rack & Pinion
Post by: Captkaos on March 25, 2008, 02:17:14 pm

Custom built.  Unless you get a Porterbuilt dropmember.

Title: Re: Rack & Pinion
Post by: autorepr on March 25, 2008, 05:18:31 pm

Go for it! You'll drop a bunch of front end weight and get a better feeling steering setup.  I know easy for me to say!!!

Title: Re: Rack & Pinion
Post by: eventhorizon66 on March 25, 2008, 05:32:01 pm

I know rack and pinion offers better steering feel on a chassis designed for it.  But I really doubt there would be that much to gain in converting one of these trucks.  And there would be a great risk of adding bumpsteer by not setting it up properly.  Not worth all the trouble and expense, IMO.  And besides there are some very nice offerings by the aftermarket in the way of modified performance steering boxes.  But, if you really want a properly setup R&P on your truck, what about welding in a Mustang II crossmember from a company like Heidt's or Fat Man Fabrications?

Title: Re: Rack & Pinion
Post by: Captkaos on March 25, 2008, 05:38:58 pm

I wouldn't use one of those.  If I went to a crossmember with R&P I would use the Porterbuilt dropmember or finish building the one I have.  The Fat Man and Heidt's use wimpy Mustang II components in my opinon.

Title: Re: Rack & Pinion
Post by: VeeTwin60 on March 25, 2008, 08:08:31 pm

Thanks for the replies.

I intend to upgrade the suspension and chassis members at the same time (along with lowering it).  However, I'm not dead set on R&P, if there is something that is more "bolt-on" that can make the steering feel more "race inspired", I'm all for it.

Title: Re: Rack & Pinion
Post by: Captkaos on March 26, 2008, 02:06:42 pm

If you are doing it all at once, go here: http://www.porterbuiltstreetrods.com/products.php  They have a C4 setup also...

Title: Re: Rack & Pinion
Post by: Wayner on January 06, 2020, 06:17:36 pm

Thinking thes ame. How about https://www.performanceonline.com/1973-87-chevy-c10-gmc-c15-truck-power-steering-rack-and-pinion-kit/

Title: Re: Rack & Pinion
Post by: G-NUT on April 08, 2020, 07:29:18 pm

I've just installed my complete Porterbuilt front level 3 suspension.  Comes with rack and pinion.  I've still got to install my motor and trans so I've not driven it yet with the R & P.