1992 Steering Rack vs 1993 Steering Rack

[SHOkid13]

What's the differences? LOUDSHO92 has a 92 (incase you didn't catch that...) and will be getting a new rack to replace while swapping to his new 3.2L. When searching I found that Autozone (and others) have the two years for over a hundred dollars difference!

Will the '92 accept the unit from the '93?

Thanks!!

 

[jedhead]

I bought two racks from here for $189.00:

http://www.buy-steering.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=BS&Category_Code=FORTAU

They are shipped from Escondido. You should get it next day. The core deposit was returned within a few days of returning the core. Shipping for the core is prepaid too.

Bob

 

[Minnesho]

I thought the only difference was VAPS and non - VAPS?? correct me if i'm wrong

 

[SHOkid13]

They both can have VAPS. The '92 has a different one than the stock taurus. In '93 they both have the same rack (SHO and Taurii). Just curious if the '93 will work in the '92.

 

[Minnesho]

is there something better about the 93 rack versus the 92 rack? I'd like to know more.

 

[SHOkid13]

The '93 rack is much, much cheaper. That's why it's "better".

 

[AutoSHO]

A '92 does not have VAPS. That started in 93.

 

[SHOkid13]

AutoSHO... where did you get that information? I am seeing that the '92 had it also (acording to the online catalogs with parts vendors)...

 

[SHOtimer]

AutoSHO... where did you get that information? I am seeing that the '92 had it also (acording to the online catalogs with parts vendors)...

Those arn't always known for their accuracy. VAPs did not start till '93.

Doug

 

[SHOkid13]

Interesting... Weird.

Why would the SHO rack from a '92 be so much more money than the SHO rack from '93? I would think VAPS would be more expensive. Maybe it's because the SHO one in '93 was specific to the SHO only...?

 

[dstig1]

VAPS was on Tauri in '92 - It has a section in my '92 Helms manual. It just wasn't on the SHO. Only the LX versiion of the SLO. Don't know if it was on earlier models, but was probably a Gen 2 upgrade when they came out in '92 is my guess.

 

[Silky_Smoooth_02]

What is VAPS anyway? I have owned a 90, 92, and a 93. The steering actually felt different on the 93. Y ?

 

[SHO_Diehard]

VAPS is variable assist power steering. The steering effort is probably less on the '93 because of the VAPS. Personally, I like the feel of the earlier steering rack.

My '95 used to suddenly go to high effort when in a moderately hard turn and above 80 mph. For some reason, it doesn't do that any more.

 

[SHOkid13]

So, back to my question.... Will the cheaper rack work in the '92 or do we need to get a '92 rack?

Also, since my '93 has VAPS, can I switch to a NON-VAPS unit, or should I just "modify" the system?

 

[SonicRiot]

You need a '92 SHO rack, not a '92 Taurus or VAPS rack. The SHO steering rack has a quicker ratio than a standard Taurus or any VAPS models.

I don't understand why everyone thinks a Taurus rack is the same as an SHO rack.

 

[SHOkid13]

Thanks for the info Chris! I didn't know that information before. So, just to inquire: For my car ('93 SHO), could I use the '92 rack and get better steering response?

Maybe I can help you understand: We don't know as much as you do.

 

[SonicRiot]

That type comment is why I do not frequent these boards as much any more.

So I misread some of the post, but it is still useful information. There is a lot of mis-info and a large lack of good info regarding the power steering rack for this car, just like any part specific to the SHO.

Perhaps that's one of the reasons you're having trouble finding the information that you need...

 

[SHOkid13]

Are you talking about my comment? huh... I hope that didn't come across as rude. That's why I posted the smilie face after it...

That's why I posted the initial post, to get more information as what I was finding was conflicting.

Sorry if I offended...

 

[SonicRiot]

eh, no offense taken, I was on the war path last night. Didn't mean to take it out on you. I'm in a better mood now.

SO...

I beleive you can switch to the non-VAPS rack, provided it has the same steering ratio. I know that in 92, the VAPS rack for the 3.8L had a different ratio than the non-VAPS SHO rack.

Knowing Ford, I would venture to say the VAPS rack used in 93 is the same VAPS rack used in the earlier 3.8L Taurus. If you're worried about the ratio, go to the parts store with a tape measure in hand and measure the ratios.

BUT, to assume...

When I was searching for a rack, I called Ford Performance Specialists in GA. They know their stuff. Be polite and grateful, as they are a good resource for parts and info.