Author Topic: Rack and pinion for a Cuda?  (Read 1504 times)

Offline 426HEMI

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Rack and pinion for a Cuda?
« on: December 16, 2007 - 01:02:32 PM »
Has anyone converted your Barracuda to rack and pinion steering?  If so what did you use and how does it feel?
Got a pretty good start on my M46 optioned Barracuda restoration but now it is on hold till I can gather more funds.  Still need a few parts for it.  SIU Graduate 75 AAS Automotive Tech, 94 BS Advanced Tech Studies, 1997 MSED Workforce Education and Development

1970 M46 Barracuda
1998 Dodge Darango

Gordon




Offline Richie61

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Re: Rack and pinion for a Cuda?
« Reply #1 on: December 16, 2007 - 03:51:44 PM »
I have been looking at this one. Looks very nice and seems like a complete kit. Price is nice too ;D
http://www.unisteer.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=UNISTEER&Category_Code=MOPAR+BE

Offline 426HEMI

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Re: Rack and pinion for a Cuda?
« Reply #2 on: December 16, 2007 - 04:01:15 PM »
That is the one I have been looking at also.  Anyone have any feedback on this product and how improved or made things worse?
Got a pretty good start on my M46 optioned Barracuda restoration but now it is on hold till I can gather more funds.  Still need a few parts for it.  SIU Graduate 75 AAS Automotive Tech, 94 BS Advanced Tech Studies, 1997 MSED Workforce Education and Development

1970 M46 Barracuda
1998 Dodge Darango

Gordon

Offline ragtopdodge

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Re: Rack and pinion for a Cuda?
« Reply #3 on: December 16, 2007 - 04:28:01 PM »
Only two offerings are worth considering:

1) RMS' Alterkation.  Do a search and peruse through www.bigblockdart.com for testimonials.  All good.

2) XV Stage II.  Lots of good reviews from car magazines.  Rare b/c of $$$.


Unisteer I hear has horrible turning radius, but I understand most of these front-mount R&P kits reduce radius some.

One of the advantages of 1 and 2 above is that they eliminate the torsion bars for increased clearances.  Something Unisteer does not.
'70 318-auto Chally 'vert
'71 383-auto 'Cuda 'vert (sold)
06 300c SRT8
04 2500 QCLB 4x4 HO

Offline HP2

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Re: Rack and pinion for a Cuda?
« Reply #4 on: December 16, 2007 - 04:44:12 PM »
Unless it is built around a equivilent suspension system, i.e. Alterkation or XV stage 2, all retrofit R&P kits are going to be a compromise of turning radius and bump steer.

With a good, quality built, firm valved OEM style steering box, you get nearly the same steering response as a R&P with only a slight weight penalty. I figure it this way, if the good old recirculating ball and gear steering box is still good enough for Mercedes new products, then there is nothing wrong with them in my classic mopar.

Offline 426HEMI

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Re: Rack and pinion for a Cuda?
« Reply #5 on: December 16, 2007 - 05:05:31 PM »
Thanks for the input.  I will not be doing this for a while so I will maybe ask again in a year or so.
Got a pretty good start on my M46 optioned Barracuda restoration but now it is on hold till I can gather more funds.  Still need a few parts for it.  SIU Graduate 75 AAS Automotive Tech, 94 BS Advanced Tech Studies, 1997 MSED Workforce Education and Development

1970 M46 Barracuda
1998 Dodge Darango

Gordon