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Rack and Peanut steering for A bodies research...commments?
https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24559		 Page 2 of 3
Author:  Dart270 [ Wed Aug 22, 2007 5:49 am ]
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Save about 20lbs, many fewer wear/friction points in the steering linkages, should be lower effort steering for the same ratios (not sure about that one, but heard it from folks). Also, rebuilt 20:1 and 16:1 boxes are expensive compared to new racks.

Lou
Author:  dakight [ Wed Aug 22, 2007 5:51 am ]
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That just about sums it up. The only thing I would add is improved road feel.
Author:  Charrlie_S [ Wed Aug 22, 2007 8:18 am ]
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Quote:
Save about 20lbs, many fewer wear/friction points in the steering linkages, should be lower effort steering for the same ratios (not sure about that one, but heard it from folks). Also, rebuilt 20:1 and 16:1 boxes are expensive compared to new racks.

Lou
Still doesn't make sense to me. Can a "quality " conversion be done for under $500? I can remove 20 lbs easier. Stock wear/friction points lasred many years/miles. Steering effort is a maybe.
Author:  slantzilla [ Wed Aug 22, 2007 2:23 pm ]
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Quote:
Save about 20lbs, many fewer wear/friction points in the steering linkages, should be lower effort steering for the same ratios (not sure about that one, but heard it from folks). Also, rebuilt 20:1 and 16:1 boxes are expensive compared to new racks.

Lou
If you're that worried about 20 pounds, try Jenny Craig. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

In all honesty, what is 20 pounds really going to do on a street car? That will amount to less than .02 in a 1/4 mile.

I think you guys just enjoy re-inventing the wheel. :D :D :D :D

Remember, the guy who invented the wheel was a dumbass, the guy who invented the other 3 was a genius. :twisted:
Author:  Dart270 [ Wed Aug 22, 2007 2:30 pm ]
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This is for Project V. I am looking toward a final weight of 2400-2500 lbs with driver and 12 gals of fuel, including 100 lbs of rollcage and 17X9 wheels. 20lbs in several places adds up. If I do the fab and design myself, which I often like doing, then the only cost is the rack. I will also replace steering column with a fabbed unit for additional 15 lbs reduction.

Lou
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Wed Aug 22, 2007 3:00 pm ]
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Quote:
Remember, the guy who invented the wheel was a dumbass, the guy who invented the other 3 was a genius. :twisted:
Image
Author:  sandy in BC [ Wed Aug 22, 2007 8:16 pm ]
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The big deal is finding a rack narrow enough for the early A.

I found a rack short enough for a late B though......


If you take the centre link to the rack pile its pretty easy to sort out what might work....The rack has to be no longer than the centre link to preserve stock geometry.
Author:  Dart270 [ Thu Aug 23, 2007 5:51 am ]
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There is an AC Cobra rack made by Flaming River with about the right dimensions for about $300-350 new. They can also make custom rack lengths. I will check around for others...

Would be nice to find a common OEM rack, though, for replacement purposes.

Lou
Author:  argentina-slantsixer [ Thu Aug 23, 2007 6:46 am ]
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sandy, If I follow correctly,m the rack has to have the same lenght (or less) than the center link? are we talking about the piece that "connects" tie rods, pitman and idler? if this is so, I have one new OEM center link and I'll be road tripping today, thru an area where there's many junkyards. I'll see what I can come up with. OEM would be fine, so we don't have to go to the special-custom route. (Always a pain in the ass!)

would you like them assisted or manual?
Author:  sandy in BC [ Thu Aug 23, 2007 6:55 am ]
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I woould think that for the exercise we are commenting on a manual box would be the thing.

I replaced a power/draglink steering system in my bogger with a manual rack ......saved almost 50 lbs and have no trouble turning the wheels while stopped even with cut 12.50 tires.

....and thanks Dude!
Author:  Dart270 [ Thu Aug 23, 2007 8:18 am ]
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Yep, manual. Any assistance would be great!

Lou
Author:  argentina-slantsixer [ Fri Aug 24, 2007 4:23 am ]
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sorry, meant POWWR or manual. I'll research into both of them
Author:  PiDstr [ Mon Aug 27, 2007 3:50 am ]
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Referencing back to OzHemi's post, and on the question of a narrow enough rack for an A-Body,...

Oz - do you remember which model Commodore the rack came out of?

If it was an early Crumbledore, say a VB thru to VL, they were the same size vehicle as the large Vauxhaul/Opel sold Europe in the '80's.

IIRC, the Opel was available as a LHD,...

If Oz's car uses the rack from a later Dunnydore, anything post VN ('89) to almost up to current models, then the rack would be the close to the same size used in the Monaro's, sorry, Pontiac GTO's,..


PiD v4.0
Author:  OzHemi [ Mon Aug 27, 2007 7:58 am ]
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You can use either rack, early or late apparently...The mounting points are different and the K frame needs to suit, but believe the over all width to be close enough that either will work (perhaps with different tie rod ends?)
That being said, from memory (it's been some years now) I think mine was a VR/VL one.. but pretty sure another mate of mine has a K frame done up and uses a VN-ish era one..

I still have a spare rack here actually that I kept and could always dig it out and measure it (Since I can't measure the one on the car at the moment :lol: )
Author:  argentina-slantsixer [ Mon Aug 27, 2007 6:27 pm ]
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no luck at the junkyards. Will keep on researching.
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