Unisteer Manual Rack and Pinion

[stroker steve]

I am trying to figure out which rack and pinion setup to go with in my 66 coupe. I am looking for a cost effective setup that is easy to install and does not have bump-steer issues. I noticed that the unisteer manual rack is less expensive than most others, but I haven't heard much about it. Any insights would be appreciated.

[gotstang]

Unisteer seems to be excellent and one of the only ones that doesn't have turning-radius issues. But...I have to wonder why a manual rack? It's not going to be *that* much different than the stock manual steering box and it's a lot more expensive. If I were to put in a rack, it would be a power rack, and probably a unisteer, but I have to say, the stock manual setup seems a lot better than I'd expected.

[rmorrell]

The unisteer guys offer a decent product. It makes good use of space and weight savings is better than most. And, if the simplicity and road manners of a manual is what you want, go for it. You'll not be sorry.

[OCHOHILL]

I just ordered one from Summit for $750. I hope to have it in a few weeks. I'll try to post a write up when I do it. Although, I can't compare it to a regular box set up because I haven't driven a mustang in 12 years or better. This one was purchased inoperable.

BTW, I went manual because of cost, plus I wanted as much road feel as possible.

[stroker steve]

Thanks guys. I do like the feel you get from manual steering and I also want the decreased lock-to-lock steering ratio... so that is why I am opting for a manual rack. Has anyone who installed the unisteer had fitment issues during installation or did it go in with ease? If it is a hassle to install I might go for a more expensive manual rack like TCP and bypass the headaches.

[OCHOHILL]

I have heard of a close fit to the oil pan but otherwise can't comment much. I can let you know in a few weeks.

[Jim]

I depends a lot on how stock or modified your car is. Changes such as headers, motor mounts, oil pans, etc.. have the potential to cause problems, but if the car is stock it should fit well.

[Kristang1966]

No need for a power rack in this car. These cars are so light and if you want to feel the road, the manual rack is the way to go. I have a unisteer manual rack in my 66, however, I am not finished with it yet. I have been working with Unisteer on the mounting bracket/crossmember for my car with a 351w. Unfortunately with our economy as it is, I had to stop spending on the car for a while

[OCHOHILL]

I completed the Unisteer manual install last night.

I had to massage the stock oil pan a little with a BFH.
I had to grind down some of the rolled lip around the LCA bolt.
The steering column cutting directions were spot on and easy to do.
The U-joints and D-shaft look very nice with lots of room.
I waited several weeks to receive the correct inner and out tie rods.
I had to cut the driver side inner and outer tie rod to get close to the proper toe in.
I hope I did it right. The car won't get to the alignment shop for another week.
The rack stops the spindles about 3/16" short of the spindle/steering stops.

[rmodel65]

Originally Posted by gotstang

But...I have to wonder why a manual rack? It's not going to be *that* much different than the stock manual steering box and it's a lot more expensive.

i loathe power steering the noise the whine the leaks etc..... i just installed a manual rack on my 91 5.0 its just as easy as power when moving and just a little more effort sitting still.....

manual>power

[Krelboyne]

I talked to the Unisteer people at SEMA. Looks like a good product to me, my only complaint is that the inner tie rods should be of the same diameter and threads as stock Ford. Also these inner tie rods should be compatible with stock tie rod sleeves and outer tie rods.

The power version of this needs a different power steering pump. A pump and pulley that look like the TCP pump.