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Replaceing Rack and Pinion soon...


BXX

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Well, since my inner tie rod end is junk and there is 149K on the car, I have decided to get a whole new rack and pinion.. Another reason for doing the entire unit is I will be going from my 3.0 turn lock to lock unit to one with a 2.25 turns lock to lock... They are the same price, and I get a 20% discount on it (I work for AutoZone)... Now my question is, how difficult is this going to be... Take into consideration my car is a 89 GP with a 282 5-speed... It looks pretty easy and there seems to be a ton of room, but my main concern is whether the subframe will have to be lowered to get the unit out...

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I'm pretty sure that lowering the subframe is inevitable, at least to detach the rack from the steering. However, it is not really all too tough of a job and doesn't really even require special tools. Just a nice floor jack and jack stands. I did mine in about 4 hours, first time and by myself. However, I knew what to expect as I have pulled a couple of engines and trannies.

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Well I figured with my car only haveing the 2.8L and 5-speed, there would be plenty of room... And it does look like there is plenty... I just don't feel like dealing with the K-frame bolts and lowering it for clearence..

 

 

Has anyone actually done a rack on a 5-speed W???

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Doesn't matter 5speed or not you have to lower the rear of the cradle to get enough access to pull it out.

 

You *might* be able to pull it out one of the wheel wells but I doubt it.

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Whats a rack going to cost you? regular price...

I'm possibly looking at having to get mine done tomorrow... made one hell of a noise today and I'm going through a lot of power steering fluid

 

Jamie

 

 

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BTW, I got an AC Delco reman for 110 :mrgreen:

 

Is your's the 2.25 ratio, prolly not :wink: I went to the dealer and they only showed fo the sport suspension which is the 2.75 ratio... How did you get the reman for $110???

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I think I have a 2.75. There is a place locally that sells ONLY AC Delco parts. I told them that I work for the city and they give city workers quite a hefty discount. Nuff Said. BTW, I get my rapid fires from there too-- 4 bucks a pop.

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Well after further review, I think i'm only gonna do inner and outter tie rod ends, as well as balljoints at the same time since all the parts are cheap... Got a good look at everything and my steering gear is perfect with nothing wrong with it, and out hub store (autozone) is outta the 2.25 ratio rack, so i'm gonna wait until we can get one in from out vendor.. (prolly another 6 months)

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Thats what i'm thinking and wanting to do, but since our vendor is out, it can take a while. And in the meantime, I can't exceed 50mph for extended time, the wobble and vibration is just too much

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So if you factor in a new rack+2 inners it might cost just as much as a new rack from perhaps NAPA. Check around and maybe you can save yourself from having to do the work twice. Not to mention having to get it aligned twice. And you won't have to wait for you vender to have the stock.

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Well after further review, I think i'm only gonna do inner and outter tie rod ends, as well as balljoints at the same time since all the parts are cheap... Got a good look at everything and my steering gear is perfect with nothing wrong with it, and out hub store (autozone) is outta the 2.25 ratio rack, so i'm gonna wait until we can get one in from out vendor.. (prolly another 6 months)

 

If your rack is fine, just replaced what needs to be replaced. No need to spend money on something that isn't broken, and really isn't all that upgradable.

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Well after further review, I think i'm only gonna do inner and outter tie rod ends, as well as balljoints at the same time since all the parts are cheap... Got a good look at everything and my steering gear is perfect with nothing wrong with it, and out hub store (autozone) is outta the 2.25 ratio rack, so i'm gonna wait until we can get one in from out vendor.. (prolly another 6 months)

 

If your rack is fine, just replaced what needs to be replaced. No need to spend money on something that isn't broken, and really isn't all that upgradable.

 

Well going from the 3.0 ratio to the 2.25 ratio will make a world of a difference... I don't like the 'loose' feel of the 3.0. I much prefer the feel of a quicker ratio.. I like it when my car turns i the exact direction I turn the wheel..

 

But, anyway. For the time being i'll just replace my inner and outer tie rod ends since I get a 30% discount this pay..

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