About to redo suspension - what about steering?

[orange150]

So I'm going to order the StreetorTrack Stage 5 front suspension kit later this week with the Big Spindle kit and the Baer Tracker bump steer kit.
Aside from the usual maintenance, should I do any other upgrading to the steering?
Any of this stuff worth it?

Car is a '65 coupe, V8, with manual steering. I'd like to stick with manual steering as well.

[Lukesportsman]

Your bump steer kit was best money spent!

Search the roller mod's on 65-66. Some have reported a downside for street use of eliminating all the rubber "tug" back as it reduces return to center. I don't have one this early so just internet chat for me. But, I would think you could get some of that back with adj caster.

Just a "possible" concern.

[Shaun]

I run +5 caster with manual steer, 16:1 box and Shelby quick steer arms with a roller idler bearing setup from John @ Opentracker, no issues with return to center.

[DJMabe]

I threw a lot of parts at my old steering box and never really got it where I wanted it to be. I ended up going with a FR r&p steering kit and I'm still wondering what if. The car turns in a lot better and the over all feel and control is night and day over the box IMHO but the bump steer is a nightmare and the return to center doesn't exist. I guess what I'm getting at is I don't know if there really is a part or parts to really help the steering box on these cars. I think r&p is the way to go but not really happy with my fr set up.

[orange150]

What's the difference between the Shelby pitman arm and a standard pitman arm?

[Shaun]

Originally Posted by orange150

What's the difference between the Shelby pitman arm and a standard pitman arm?

They are longer so speed up the ratio. I've had folks drive my car on 245 front Hoosiers and ask me what power steering I have... I don't.

I'm right now in the middle of putting a power Unisteer rack on my 70. I want to see for myself if a rack really is 'night and day' different over a well set up stock design box or if its only due to folks starting out with warn out boxes and components.

[DJMabe]

Originally Posted by Shaun

I'm right now in the middle of putting a power Unisteer rack on my 70. I want to see for myself if a rack really is 'night and day' different over a well set up stock design box or if its only due to folks starting out with warn out boxes and components.

I'll be the first to admit I may not have had the best set up for my steering box but I had tried several of the tricks on my rebuilt box. The box still had a little bit of a dead spot and was a lot harder to turn vs the rack. I'm sure you guys would know best how to set one up properly. Has anyone at Street or Track done a R&P set up? I'm surprised with all of the suspension work that you guys have done that someone hasn't installed a R&P set up yet?

[Shaun]

Originally Posted by DJMabe

I'll be the first to admit I may not have had the best set up for my steering box but I had tried several of the tricks on my rebuilt box. The box still had a little bit of a dead spot and was a lot harder to turn vs the rack. I'm sure you guys would know best how to set one up properly. Has anyone at Street or Track done a R&P set up? I'm surprised with all of the suspension work that you guys have done that someone hasn't installed a R&P set up yet?

No, never have yet because the stock box worked so well. If the rack turns out to be amazingly better it could be our next product...

[DJMabe]

Originally Posted by Shaun

If the rack turns out to be amazingly better it could be our next product...

That would be a great addition to all of your other components. Seems to be a no brainer and if it happens I'll be happy to be a guinea pig for you guys. Like I said in my earlier post I'm happy with some parts of the unit but not so with some.

[mustanggarage]

I have not done a huge amount of suspension work on my car, (meaning I am running all new but stock suspension) so I was definitely working on a worn out system but I absolutely love the power rack and pinion from total control products. It was the first thing I bought for my daughters 67 mustang. it works very well.

[cyclone03]

I know the Shelby Quick steer only fits the small shaft steering box,with a box change,(Flaming River Short input) could it be used on a 67 up? Would it be worth the work and cost?

Are Pitman Arms/Drag Link/Ideler Arms available to build a quick steer on the (late)67 up cars?

[Jsams]

Shaun,
Any update on the rack and pinion install?

[Shaun]

Originally Posted by Jsams

Shaun,
Any update on the rack and pinion install?

Err, I live in MI. Snow on the ground. Should be driving sometime this year though!

[Jsams]

don't you have a snow blower? Parked right next to the arctic cat?

[dobrostang]

I am also curious regarding your assessment of R&P. The only mustang I drove with one was still a handful on 225s at parking lot speeds, just like manual boxes and the turning radius was dramatically hindered. So much so that I would never even consider one...