Rack and Pinion Conversion

[Torrey]

Decided to convert the truck to rack and pinion while the whole thing was ripped apart. Learned a few lessons along the way. I thought I'd share my experience.

I started with the POL kit:

1973-87 Chevy C10, GMC C15 Truck Power Steering Rack and Pinion Kit

1973-87 Chevy C10, GMC C15 Truck Power Steering Rack and Pinion Kit

www.performanceonline.com

It's supposed to bolt directly to the existing steering holes, but mine did not sit level once I had it mounted:

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I ended up having to bring the passenger side up about 3/4 of an inch.

The kit also does not include enough joints to make a happy steering angle and clear everything. The rack and shaft are 3/4" OD and you will need 2x 3/4 to 3/4 and 1x 3/4" to 1" to mate with the column.

There is also no support bearing. Unisteer has the shaft and mounting bracket. Part numbers 8050760 and 271970 respectively.

I'm running hydroboost, so I needed a power steering reservoir with an extra inlet. The Holley pump had a built in reservoir and single inlet. Luckily they make a banjo fitting to plum a remote reservoir. It's 6AN on the pressure side and 10AN on the return. Something like this depending on your pump:

https://www.holley.com/products/plumbing_an_fittings_and_hose/power_steering/power_steering_adapters/parts/PS0003ERL

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And their reservoir:

https://www.holley.com/products/engine_swap_parts/swap_accessories/steering/parts/198-212

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[Torrey]

The steering shaft included needs to be cut down to two pieces to clear everything. If someone is really curious, I can measure mine. It also will depend on your support bearing and exhaust configuration. Here's the final routing for mine:

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The shafts will need to be dimpled where the set screws reside. I got the shafts clear zinc coated and used red Loctite on final assembly. The set screws that came with my kit were also too long to clear everything. You can find shorter replacements at Lowes or Ace.

One final note: The tie rod ends were too long to fit my POL tubular control arms. I had to shorten them by about an inch on each side.

Here is the final shot of the rack now that it sits level as well.

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[Scott91370]

I also did the conversion with this one (your part number has 1D at the end so I'm not sure if it is the same) and noticed the lock to lock seemed shorted. The truck doesn't turn as sharp now. I also had to do similar changes to get it just right.

https://www.classicindustries.com/product/pssa7387.html

 

[BigT]

The steering shaft included needs to be cut down to two pieces to clear everything. If someone is really curious, I can measure mine. It also will depend on your support bearing and exhaust configuration. Here's the final routing for mine:


The shafts will need to be dimpled where the set screws reside. I got the shafts clear zinc coated and used red Loctite on final assembly. The set screws that came with my kit were also too long to clear everything. You can find shorter replacements at Lowes or Ace.

One final note: The tie rod ends were too long to fit my POL tubular control arms. I had to shorten them by about an inch on each side.

Here is the final shot of the rack now that it sits level as well.

Well done, looks like a good job! The only only problem I see is that your engine bay is way too clean. No self-respecting Chevy is gonna work right without some grease, dirt, and rust on it. You should rectify that right away before something bad happens.

 

[Torrey]

I also did the conversion with this one (your part number has 1D at the end so I'm not sure if it is the same) and noticed the lock to lock seemed shorted. The truck doesn't turn as sharp now. I also had to do similar changes to get it just right.

https://www.classicindustries.com/product/pssa7387.html

I think it is around 2.7 turns lock to lock. It definitely doesn’t turn as sharp now. I forgot about that part. I’m curious if the Flaming River is worth the extra cost and truly is all inclusive and bolt in.

 

[Torrey]

Well done, looks like a good job! The only only problem I see is that your engine bay is way too clean. No self-respecting Chevy is gonna work right without some grease, dirt, and rust on it. You should rectify that right away before something bad happens.

Well everything is brand new or rebuilt and I’ve only got about 500 miles on it. It also never sees rain or dirt roads. Maybe I’ll get the hose and a bucket of dirt and remedy that!

 

[Fat 454]

@Torrey - thanks very much for taking the time to post this. Will have a good look through the kit info and options shown.

Any thoughts on how she drives now, compared to the OEM steering box set-up? that is the real test.

Thanks again

 

[maphuggah]

I got the same conversion kit but I’m having trouble identifying which port is the pressure side. Any help ?