RRS Rack and Pinion

Just wondering if anyone has installed the RRS Rack and Pinion set up. I need to know what needed to be modified in the steering column. The directions are very vague on how much needs to be cut of the end of the column. On the mustang columns they say you need to cut off 3" and that just seems like to much for a Maverick column.

 

I only know of one other person that has bought one from RRS, and he doesn't come on here much. Show us some pictures of how it mounts, if you don't mind.

 

I will post pictures once I start installing it. I was hoping to take care of the steering column modifications and installation of the steering kit. There instructions are kind of vague on what needs to be done to maverick specific steering column.

 

Can you contact tech support?

Curious to see it in once you have it done. Maybe I can swing by some time. Are you installing headers...will they clear?

 

I am planning on probably having to make a customs set of headers or clearance a set.

 

I dont have the RRS kit, but I did install a rack from a cavalier on my last mav. The column needed to be modified for that just the same. I took my column completely apart, and replaced to lower shaft with a 3/4 DD shaft the same length as the original shaft. Then I put the column back together and installed a bearing in the bottom of the shift tube to keep the shaft centered in the column, (hope this makes sense)reinstalled the column to the car and decided where to cut the new shaft, it was cut as close to the end of the column as possible and still allowed the u-joint to fit w/o rubbing on the shift tube. Wasnt hard to do, just time consuming, and I wanted it to be right, for me. I dont know what the directions in your kit say to do, but maybe what I have written can be used in your set-up. I think there is a pic in my gallery showing the end of the column with the u-joint on it.Hope this helps.....Dave

 

I forgot to mention, that when I had the column apart, I took the shift tube to Ace Hardware and found a 3/4 I.D. bearing to fit the tube, then JB Welded it to the end of the tube

 

55crownvic, do you have more pics of this install?
did you do a thread on it?
did you gain or loose turning radius when you did this conversion?

 

I think most of the kits use the same column mod. you just cut it to get the best angle to your rack.
mine worked out to be straight from the column to the rack.
the last pic. is where I was mocking everything up for the 347.

 

I have one in my car. Before I removed the column I marked the tube to where the bottom of the tube was flush with the fire wall. Then I removed the column and modified it. No need to go and buy anything for the install, it is all there. If it has the instructions with it the job is pretty straight forward. I am going to go and work on the car a little today so I can get some pics of it if you wish. All the pics I have are on my other computer that is not working at this time. Are there any other pics of the install that you need while I am there?

 

Thanks for the help. You picture will help a ton. Do you recall how much to cut off when you did yours? I am trying to compare that to the 4.5" in the directions. The main problem I have is that the car is at paint on completely disassembled, so there is no way to mark the column. Did you install a floor shift column when you did yours?

 

Here are a few pics of my rack. I had to space it down from the frame 3/8" for header clearance. Im using Dougs shortie headers. The guys at Gateway Performance (who also sell a version of this rack for the Maverick) use headers from Fordpowertrain.com One of these days, I may give these a try but they are pricey.

https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/...s/5803644223621933921?authkey=CJLG3Nequ86E5gE

 

Did you shorten your column and if you did how much. My problem is the car is still in paint and is completely torn down. I was hoping I could modify the column now so it is bolt in when the time comes. I am also think about going with an IDIDIT column or a flamming river column.

If anyone has installed one of those columns I would like you input as well.

 

I will see if the piece that I cut off is still around the shop. (I never throw anything away) If so then I will measure it and give you how much to cut off along with the pics. It will be later when I get this to you.

 

No problem.

I appreciate your help!