BakerEdition
EF Chaplain
Has anyone ever thought or done a conversion on a Gen-1 to a Rack & Pinion? I dislike the very over sensitive steering on my conventional steering...things that make you go Hmmmmmm....
changing to Rack & Pinion
- Thread starter BakerEdition
- Start date
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panda24619
Full Access Members
i dont like rack and pinon personally. but most do. but the steering on these beasts are speed sensitive. the faster you go the harder it is to turn. try it... not on a busy road. go up to 65 and try to turn sharply. its harder to turn the faster you go. my pig pulls to the right so i have to turn the wheel to the left and it its harder to turn the faster i go. i personally like it. i can do a U turn with only 2 lanes on the other side and i can pull into any spot i want.
sgtowing
Supporting Members
Can it be done?
panda24619
Full Access Members
it would require a lot of work. but most likely yeah it would. you need to get rid of all the mounts you have and weld on some new mounts for the rack and pinion. and it has to be dead on straight and in the middle! but it could be done. is it worth it just to change out the way the truck will handle a little bit? no.
2000UN93
Well-Known Member
hmm I was thinking about changing out my steering box to get rid of a little slop in the wheel. maybe I will just leave it, don't want to replace slop with overly sensitive.
jrjr
Full Access Members
Mine seems to have exponential in it. If you have ever used radio control vehicles, either planes or cars, you will know what I mean. Around center (straight ahead) the sensitivity and response is decreased by an adjustable amount. Once you exceed that it becomes more responsive again.
My Expy seems like this. I am going through the front end today and greasing it all up good as well as checking thoroughly for any slop. Can't say as I really like the speed sensitive stuff if that is all that it is but once I rule out other things I will know more I guess. It isn't horrible, just noticeable.
My Expy seems like this. I am going through the front end today and greasing it all up good as well as checking thoroughly for any slop. Can't say as I really like the speed sensitive stuff if that is all that it is but once I rule out other things I will know more I guess. It isn't horrible, just noticeable.
OP
OP
BakerEdition
EF Chaplain
Thats why I asked in a previous thread some where if a steering dampener would help with this.
rburch
Full Access Members
Most of the time this is caused by improper alignment. Corvettes have the same darty steering if not aligned correctly.
Changing to rack and pinion is not going to solve the problem if you dont do away with the speed sensitive steering components.
Changing to rack and pinion is not going to solve the problem if you dont do away with the speed sensitive steering components.
panda24619
Full Access Members
get a steering dampener and itll help your problem.
alaskanexpy
Full Access Members
hmm i love the way the my expy steers. so light and easy. my dads vette had the darty steering due to wide tires and there crappy steering set-up. he switched to rack and pinion and it changed how to whole car handled. but i have never had an issue with how the expy steered i actually like it alot.
OP
OP
BakerEdition
EF Chaplain
Has anyone here put a steering dampener on a Gen-1 and what brand did you use??? I'm sure you have to weld or clam some kind of brackets on??? I read that someone said to put max tire pressure in rear according to rating and drop the fronts by 4 pounds...
panda24619
Full Access Members
a few people have done it. nvy and kwt. nvy had issues with his lift but it just bolts into place. there are holes that are already on the frame for you to do put it into. and then the other side just clamps on to the rod. he said he helped him a lot, but his problem with steering was his short shaft. we changed that before he went home and it helped him a lot. as for companys ask them. rancho i think makes one. i dont remember. google it and a few will pop up.
OP
OP
BakerEdition
EF Chaplain
Thanks Panda....hey has anyone heard from Toms89? he has been really quite!
jrjr
Full Access Members
Mine has new tires and new alignment.
Front end seems tight everywhere too.
Must be the nature of the BEAST!
rburch
Full Access Members
I also have this issue also and i have notice that it was better in my case if i added pressure to the front tires.
jrjr
Full Access Members
I am running 35 in my AT's. think I should run more?
rburch
Full Access Members
My tires call for 44 psi and i run them at 50. I couldnt imagine driving an Expy with 35psi in the tires. ive had low tires on mine and when i would stop to add air it was 30-35 psi and i thought the handling was horrible!
jrjr
Full Access Members
Is that 44psi max rating on the sidewall of the tires? How are they wearing at that pressure? If they are overinflated they will wear the center out first.
alaskanexpy
Full Access Members
man! you would not want to drive mine with my snow tires on it. 20psi all around. but she stops on a dime and corners like its on rails...but on glare ice.
summer time i have load range E tires so my max PSI is 80. i run them at about 40 and its a decent happy medium i had feeling like i'm riding on bricks.
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