Author Topic: Unisteer Rack and Pinion Conversion  (Read 1633 times)

Offline ChallengerHK

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"She'll make point five past light speed. She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, and I've made a lot of special modifications myself."

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Offline HP2

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Re: Unisteer Rack and Pinion Conversion
« Reply #1 on: April 24, 2007 - 11:19:21 AM »
Looks interesting, but unfortunatly, not a whole lot lighter than a regular steering box. But I suppose it does put down lower and further back, which isn't a bad thing. So long as they have any major bump steer issues worked out, it should be a nice change.

Offline ChallengerHK

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Re: Unisteer Rack and Pinion Conversion
« Reply #2 on: April 24, 2007 - 11:23:37 AM »
I'm trying to decide whether it would be better to go with a Firm Feel uprated steering box or a rack and pinion conversion. The stock slushbox has always been a little scary. Between those two options, what would provide the most handling improvement?


"She'll make point five past light speed. She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, and I've made a lot of special modifications myself."

- Han Solo, Star Wars

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Offline HP2

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Re: Unisteer Rack and Pinion Conversion
« Reply #3 on: April 24, 2007 - 02:42:43 PM »
Well, neither really improve the handling, per se. They do change they way you feel the road and how quickly input and feedback come and go between you and the road.

Racks tend to have very precise steering response with very little slop, so they do improve the road feel considerably. Since this is a kit that hangs off the stock mounts, I would be concerned with potential deflection eliminating the precision that comes with a rack assy. Also with racks, the potential for bump steer is possible because hte rack pivot points may not match the stock pivot points. Unisteer says they have this fixed, so it may not be too bad with their unit. Regardless, it would be better than an original box and if you are just doing casual driving with an occasional trip down the strip, they would probably work out just fine.

Firm Feel's boxes, however, are worlds apart from the stock mush box and will feel about as close to a rack and pinion as is possible with a recirculation ball unit. They provide good feedback, are economical, and are easy to install. Combined with a longer pitman and idler and they can have the fast ratio to match a rack as well. Only drawback is these longer assemblies sometimes create header interference.

Offline ChallengerHK

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Re: Unisteer Rack and Pinion Conversion
« Reply #4 on: April 24, 2007 - 04:36:13 PM »
Well, neither really improve the handling, per se. They do change they way you feel the road and how quickly input and feedback come and go between you and the road.


Granted, and thanks for the correction.

All the rest...

Good information, HP2, and thanks again. I'm far from a casual driver (which is why I will spend a lot of time and money rebuilding my car from the days when I was 16).  I do have some need for comfort, but I guess in my perfect world I'd like a 70/30 split between road-handling and comfort. It sounds like the Firm Feel, in conjunction with some other changes I'm making, will do the trick.


"She'll make point five past light speed. She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, and I've made a lot of special modifications myself."

- Han Solo, Star Wars

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Offline ragtopdodge

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Re: Unisteer Rack and Pinion Conversion
« Reply #5 on: April 24, 2007 - 08:24:23 PM »
If you're going to spend that kinda coin for a Unisteer (what, $1200?), you're stilll left w/old UCAs/LCAs, and still a heavy system.

I heard the Unisteer DRASTICALLY reduces turning radius.

I'd just step up to the plate and get an RMS Alterkation.
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Offline ChallengerHK

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Re: Unisteer Rack and Pinion Conversion
« Reply #6 on: April 25, 2007 - 05:40:26 AM »
I'd just step up to the plate and get an RMS Alterkation.

I've thought about it. Personally, I really like torsion bars, and both RMS and Magnum switch to coil springs.


"She'll make point five past light speed. She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, and I've made a lot of special modifications myself."

- Han Solo, Star Wars

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Offline MJS73

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Re: Unisteer Rack and Pinion Conversion
« Reply #7 on: April 27, 2007 - 07:12:40 PM »
Quote
I'm trying to decide whether it would be better to go with a Firm Feel uprated steering box

I've been extremely happy with the Stage 2 steering box I got from FF.  I wouldn't go with Stage 1, but I wonder what Stage 3 is like?

Mike
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