Rack & Pinion front end on a 55 century?

[downunder pat]

Helow one and all firstly thanks to everyone who answered any of my posts lately .I have been busy whith the 55 drive train project.Although i am not very skilled as a machanic i am very lucky to have a good freind helping me and dont worry he lets me do most of the dirty work.On to my next question a power rack for my 55 century has anyone ever tried to fit one to a standard front end and if so what brand ect.I have to order rack from US because its a left hand drive.Or dose any one know of a larger supplyer were i can get one to suit that may do overseas freight.

Stay well and happy regards Patrick Maiden bca au 991

[NTX5467]

You might want to check the website for StreetRodder magazine (or similar) for ads links and such. There's a LOT of stuff out there to do what you mention, but usually in several pre-enginered kits for specific or aftermarket chassis applications.

Off hand, it seems there'd by so many issues to deal with. Mounting the rack solidly and appropriately is one. Making sure the tie rod geometry is maintained is another (nasty things like "bump steer", for example, can result if that geometry is not "as designed by the factory").

Getting the steering column to interface with the new rack and hydraulic lines to run it can be "engineered" as needed, but getting the rack mounted so the steering geometry is maintained AND clearing existing things like engines, transmissions, exhaust pipes, and such things could be "deal breakers".

You might have better luck adapting a later model steering gear box to the car, which would mount in the current location and maintain existing geometries. Seems like I saw a listing for one that was "new and improved and lighter and faster ratio" for the street rod applications, maybe as a replacement for a 55-57 Chevy?

The larger GM steering gearbox has been pretty much "everywhere" in the GM lineup (at least in the North American lineup) and is a unit of choice for many dirt track racing uses. LOTS of ratio variations (fast, normal, variable, straight) and cases over the years, plus inside-the-frame and outside-the-frame mountings. Seems like the smaller "Vega style" box will go in its place?

Just some thoughts,

NTX5467

[Guest Mike_s]

I came across this site when looking for some replacement power steering parts, I haven't used them but thought it might be of some help

http://www.unisteer.com/mm5/merchant.mvc...Code=CUSTOMRACK