Replacing the Rack

[shantz]

I'm pretty sure my SHO is in need of a new rack. I am able to obain a new OEM VAPS rack direct from Ford for $150+core, but I am concerned about undertaking this, having never done one before.

Has anyone out there had experience replacing the rack, and any other preventative or recomended maintenance that should be done at the same time? I was thinking rod bearings since I'll have the exhaust off anyways.

Thanks

 

[CerberuS]

Get it from RCM

http://home.earthlink.net/~rcm_automotive/id19.html

109+79 core.

You can get the bearings same place. think they are 39$.

Nothing comes to me when having the rack in hand , its not in the way of anything servicable.

 

[SuperHO]

why would you wanna go with a VAPS rack when you could swap out for a 92-prior rack without that annoying VAPS? That's my plan in the somwhat near future, as I hate it when I'm going through a turn and the steering gets uber-tight...

 

[projectSHO89]

Get it from RCM

http://home.earthlink.net/~rcm_automotive/id19.html

109+79 core.

You can get the bearings same place. think they are 39$.

Nothing comes to me when having the rack in hand , its not in the way of anything servicable.

Probably just a Cardone reman. He doesn't specify it's a Ford reman, mush less than a NEW OEM. I'd go for the Ford one as I've had bad luck with the Cardones (need to swap the one in my 89 YET AGAIN).

It's not necessary to drop the exhaust to replace a rack. Just loosen the front subframe bolts a couple of turns then lower the rear of the subframe a few inches so you can get the rack out the wheelwell past the brake booster.

Install an in-line filter (Cardone FLT1, about $2-3). Fully flush the lines, reservoir, pump, and cooler before installing the new rack. if your budget permits, replace all the rubber hoses.

Steve

 

[CerberuS]

doesnt matter its a damn rack.

 

[SHORANGERBIRD]

doesnt matter its a #%^$ rack.

this is not the opinion of everyone.......

 

[CerberuS]

this is not the opinion of everyone.......

Very true , its only mine.

 

[shantz]

I'll be using a Ford rack - mostly due to the fact that my dad owns the Ford dealership here, so I pay cost for the parts. Plus I'm in Canada, so I don't have to pay for international shipping when ordering parts from the US

 

[Entropy]

You really don't need to drop the exhaust OR the subframe. It comes out the driver’s wheel well pretty effortlessly. It is a pretty straight forward swap but I would strongly recommend getting 'at least' new O-rings for every fitting you touch. It doesn't take much torque to properly seat them, either, so be cautious of these.

One last thing to consider if retaining any old lines is that you can flush in new fluid much the same way that some do automatic transmissions. Connect the pump supply to fresh fluid and the return (from the cooler) to an empty bucket. Most instructions for installing racks suggest cycling the ignition multiple times with the DIS disconnected to prime the system and work out air so adding this procedure into the loop will not add much time to the work (being that every couple of key bumps results in getting out of the car, refilling the reservoir, getting back in the car, bumping again......you get the point).

why would you wanna go with a VAPS rack when you could swap out for a 92-prior rack without that annoying VAPS?

Agreed! Check this out: http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=56151