steering rack questions/dimensions

[Hack]

Alright, in my never ending quest to shave a few more pounds/simplify my 89, I cannot shake the idea of converting it to manual steering. I have already done some research to ascertain whether any model Taurus/Sable come without power steering. The general consensus is that none did. My latest train of thought is to find a similiar sized manual steering rack out of a different make and or model vehicle.

That is what brings me to this post. Does anyone know the width of the steering rack sans outer tie rods? Any thoughts or ideas on which cars I should look into? I am thinking that it would probably be best to look for another FWD car, as there may be internal differences that would make an RWD unit unacceptable. If RWD would make for good donors, I am liking Wilwood's Pinto rack The last thought that comes to mind is that I am hoping to find a rack with a reasonably quick ratio.

As far as mating the steering column to the rack, and mate the tie rods, I am pretty sure that I already have a guy who can do that for me. Also, for the record I have driven a number of FWD vehicles with manual steering. I am aware that the wheel is very heavy while stopped or at low speeds. If this car were a daily driver then I would be concerned about this. It isn't and I'm not.

Any thoughts, ideas, information, etc. is welcome. pcorn

<small>[ February 09, 2004, 03:39 AM: Message edited by: yellowSHO ]</small>

 

[Petersho1]

Just disconnect P/S pump and you have manual. Just a joke,or you are Rambo/Terminator. Search the Web "Rack and pinion" you should find something.

 

[Hack]

Well, does anyone have a parts car that has a rack pulled from it? The measurements I am looking for are as follows;
Distances between mounts (center to center)
Overall length
Pivot points

I contacted Flaming River Ind. (many thanks to Louis/LaTechSHO for that lead) and they recommend a Fox-body Mustang unit. They provided me with the dimensions above. I am just trying to determine how close that is to the Taurus rack.

Also, If anyone has any thoughts regarding the belt routing, I am interested in hearing those also. In looking at the car, removing the ps pump leaves a "small" problem. The same belt runs the water pump. With the ps pump gone, the belt would not go anywhere near the tensioner. My initial thought is to look into having a custom bracket/idler pulley built to bolt into the location of the ps pump. I have been known to overthink things like this though.

<small>[ February 16, 2004, 03:50 PM: Message edited by: yellowSHO ]</small>