FastCAD
SHO Member
Are there any suggestions on upgrading the steering rack or is the stock rack sufficient?
steering rack '91
- Thread starter FastCAD
- Start date
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sperold
Last to Know
People have changed the rack for the ZF rack from the 96 and up models. It requires a special supply line due to a different fitting being used. Often it is done when a GenIII sub frame is swapped into the auto, which is reported to be an improvement as it gives you A-frames instead of the front strut rod system in your car.
I have changed a few racks, but always used the stock replacement rack. If your car is older than 92, then you have the standard rack without the ABS feature which is the simplest and most straight forward design.
A lot of people with the 93 to 95 VAPS steering system do not have the feature they think they have due to component failure, so in the end, they have your situation anyways.
I have always thought the standard replacement racks were adequate, and would not update one.
I have never worried about getting a genuine SHO rack replacement which is reported to have spaces behind the inner tie rods which shorten the rod extension, so that the tires do not rub on the fenders. I have used the regular Taurus / Sable racks and never had issues.
I have changed a few racks, but always used the stock replacement rack. If your car is older than 92, then you have the standard rack without the ABS feature which is the simplest and most straight forward design.
A lot of people with the 93 to 95 VAPS steering system do not have the feature they think they have due to component failure, so in the end, they have your situation anyways.
I have always thought the standard replacement racks were adequate, and would not update one.
I have never worried about getting a genuine SHO rack replacement which is reported to have spaces behind the inner tie rods which shorten the rod extension, so that the tires do not rub on the fenders. I have used the regular Taurus / Sable racks and never had issues.
NoSlo
SHO Owner
There is no "upgrade" except replacing the rack when it leaks from the end seals into the boots and you don't want to rebuild it yourself.
Change an inner tie rod end when there is play not attributed to the outer.
There are also plastic washers just inside the inner tie rod end, spacers that limit the SHO's turning radius, an "upgrade" is to remove them if you've still got them when doing a tie rod.
Drain the reservoir and fill with fresh "Type F" ATF. Repeat every 10000 miles to keep the fluid refreshed.
A full fluid "flush" is possible if you connect the reservoir return hose to a waste container, plug the reservoir return fitting, and have a friend pour new fluid fast to keep the reservoir filled while you start the engine, turn the rack back and forth, and quickly turn off the engine.
Other than that, 93-95 (corrected) have VAPS (variable assist), which a determined person might be able to swap in if you got the rack (not rebuildable), junkyard harness pigtails, the under-dash brain, and complete all the wiring to replicate how it is used in later years. Eases slow speed turning.
Change an inner tie rod end when there is play not attributed to the outer.
There are also plastic washers just inside the inner tie rod end, spacers that limit the SHO's turning radius, an "upgrade" is to remove them if you've still got them when doing a tie rod.
Drain the reservoir and fill with fresh "Type F" ATF. Repeat every 10000 miles to keep the fluid refreshed.
A full fluid "flush" is possible if you connect the reservoir return hose to a waste container, plug the reservoir return fitting, and have a friend pour new fluid fast to keep the reservoir filled while you start the engine, turn the rack back and forth, and quickly turn off the engine.
Other than that, 93-95 (corrected) have VAPS (variable assist), which a determined person might be able to swap in if you got the rack (not rebuildable), junkyard harness pigtails, the under-dash brain, and complete all the wiring to replicate how it is used in later years. Eases slow speed turning.
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FastCAD
SHO Member
Thanks for the quick reply. My SHO is on the rack in surgery. Mostly seals, gaskets, grommets and assorted dried out rubber parts etc. but a rack that is leaking badly. 225K miles and counting. Engine is still very strong.
Are you saying there is no difference between the '91 SHO and non sho racks? My tie rod ends do not need replacing. I have seen big price swings between SHO and non sho racks. Have you ever used the re-build kit? Is it worth it?
Thanks again,
Joe
FastCAD
SHO Member
I would love a Gen3 subframe but not today. lol.
I would really like to get the alum. subframe busings "hot dipped" in a rubberized substance??
I really miss those bushings.
I'm in the process of doing a Gen3 subframe and ZF Rack right now. The costs of these things have dropped significantly over the years. Having a hose made to connect the ZF Rack to the Gen1/2 pump is pretty straight forward. Adam Hartlmeier just did a group buy for a bunch of us. I'm sure he'd do more if there was a need. I've never driven a SHO with the ZF but everyone I've talked to about it loves it.
FastCAD
SHO Member
That could be a future project to think about.
Let us know how it turns out.
What Gen SHO is that going into?
Is that the Shosource set up
Going into my 91+.
sperold
Last to Know
I have never rebuilt a rack. It sounds like a good project.
Don't be afraid to use the rack that is on sale at the time you need it. I have heard of cases where people were not satisfied with re-manufactured racks, but I have not had that issue.
Pick a rack that does not have a core charge, and rebuild your old one for a spare.
Don't be afraid to use the rack that is on sale at the time you need it. I have heard of cases where people were not satisfied with re-manufactured racks, but I have not had that issue.
Pick a rack that does not have a core charge, and rebuild your old one for a spare.
BaySHO Performance
SHO Member
To set the record straight: 89s are the only ones without ABS. 93-95 have VAPS.
PaulTAutoX
SHO Member
I'm pretty sure I remember you and I discussing whether to set my VAPS permanently on one of the assist settings, I think we chose 3 of 4. This was when I was still autocrossing it. I remember feeling the assist changing up and down in a lower speed turn and being bothered by that.
Mine's a '92.
BaySHO Performance
SHO Member
That would be very strange, Paul, as your 92 doesn't have VAPS. No VAPS switch in your work records, either.
93-95 SHOs: as the cars age and cruise control isn't as crisp as it was, one can get to the point where variable power assist flops between settings on a low speed (20 MPH) corner. You will know it's happening when the steering wheel flops back and forth without your input. There's a fix for that:
http://web.archive.org/web/20040813...e=article&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0&sid=186
93-95 SHOs: as the cars age and cruise control isn't as crisp as it was, one can get to the point where variable power assist flops between settings on a low speed (20 MPH) corner. You will know it's happening when the steering wheel flops back and forth without your input. There's a fix for that:
http://web.archive.org/web/20040813...e=article&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0&sid=186
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