Rack and pinion?

[The Cuda Man]

What exactly is rack and pinon steering? And how does it perform compared to other steering systems? Im planning on buying a new steering system sometime in the future but im sorta clueless.

Thanks,
Sam

[Roppa440]

Didn't realise Google had stopped working?

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/steering2.htm

There will be people here who will tell you there are R&P systems you can bolt onto your Mopar. What they don't tell you is that they ruin the steering geomerty and you shouldn't use them.

One way around this is to fit an alterkation or XV replacement K-frame. These allow better positioning of the rack. But are very expensive and also replace the front suspension with coils which increase the unsprung weight. Not a good thing.

At the end of the day there is only a slight improvement over the stock, correctly adjusted, power steering system. Not really any improvement over faster ratio manual steering. You do not need it. It is a waste of money. But you just can't tell some people.

[Chryco Psycho]

This a need to be filled , someone needs to cast  proper spindle for a front steer rack , the best solution so far is to use the Mustang II spindle which is used on most racing applications & hot rods , you can alkso install a rear steer rack but that doesn`t help oil pan or header clearance , simply reversing the mopar spinde to front steer is dangerous plain and simple the steering acts as if you are going in reverse & the akerman angles are all out of whack with the inner tire turning less than the outer
 Rack steering itself is better with less turns lock to lock & more presice steering & feel & the system is far lighter even with power assist

[IMNCARN82]

I've driven lot's of Mopars over the years. And lot's of old cars. None of them compare to rack and pinion steering.None.  the RMS alterkation  offers alot more than just R&P as does XV. These are entirely new designs with coil over shocks.The RMS is MII based. The XV is C5 vette stuff. The RMS is 4500.00  and bolts in. The XV is 8000.00 And you need to modify the car more. Both are improvements IMO.  I just couldn't afford the XV.     i will say that this 'cuda is the tightest old car I have ever tossed around. Easily.     But the cost is high.  it was totaly worth it to me.    That being said you could build up the factory stuff for 1/2 that price.   Tubular UCA's are a must for 17"+ wheels.   



R&P is a threaded shaft/gear to turn the wheels.    Mopar is gear box and linkage. 

[the_engineers]

IMNCARN82, why are tubular uppers a must for 17+ wheels?...

[IMNCARN82]

The factory are not adjustable enough for that wide of rubber.  17" Wheels/tires will lap a 15" car at a road course. But the 15's will be faster at the strip.   They will fit either way.