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How To Install A Rack-And-Pinion Kit



1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Driver Side Front Half View
1 Here's our subject car up on jackstands. We raised only the front axle and chocked the rear wheels for the duration of the project. At first, we were a little apprehensive about not having a vehicle hoist and a complete shop at hand, but after reviewing the instructions, we felt confident with jackstands. We had a small air compressor on hand with a 3/8-inch drive impact and air ratchet. Beyond these items and hand tools, the only special item needed was a cut-off wheel.		http://images.mustangandfords.com/techarticles/mufp_0603_rack_and_pinion_kit_4_removing_crossmember_s.jpg
2 The steering rack mounts to the car in place of the factory engine crossmember. The rack is a stout assembly, capable of taking the loads usually handled by the factory part. The driver's side fastener is removed as shown.		http://images.mustangandfords.com/techarticles/mufp_0603_rack_and_pinion_kit_5_removing_crossmember_s.jpg
3 In this photo, the crossmember comes away from the framerails. This crossmember is just a bent tube with crimped ends, functional but not pretty. Although we don't foresee removing the new steering system, we're saving the old parts since they're no longer available.
http://images.mustangandfords.com/techarticles/mufp_0603_rack_and_pinion_kit_6_tierod_removal_s.jpg
4 Because the entire steering linkage was recently replaced, we didn't have any problem separating the tie rods from the steering horn on the spindle or from the drag link. You may need to use a pickle fork or other persuasive tool, but try not to damage the grease boots. They will be reused along with the tie rods themselves.		http://images.mustangandfords.com/techarticles/mufp_0603_rack_and_pinion_kit_7_pitman_arm_removal_s.jpg
5 Here, we begin the process of separating the drag link from the pitman arm on the steering box. Neither the drag link nor pitman arm will be reused. Here again, you may need to use a pickle fork or two-jawed puller for the separation.		http://images.mustangandfords.com/techarticles/mufp_0603_rack_and_pinion_kit_8_idler_arm_removal_s.jpg
6 Don't bother disconnecting the idler arm at the other end of the drag link. Unbolt it from the car, and it will come away with the whole steering linkage, as shown here.
http://images.mustangandfords.com/techarticles/mufp_0603_rack_and_pinion_kit_9_steering_column_removal_s.jpg
7 Under the hood, disconnect the steering column from the steering box at the rag joint. Here, we are inside the car removing the four bolts that affix the column to the floor.		 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Steering Column View
8 The column support fasteners are removed from underneath the instrument panel. The whole steering column is removed from the car and set aside. Don't forget the electrical connections.		http://images.mustangandfords.com/techarticles/mufp_0603_rack_and_pinion_kit_11_unbolting_steering_box_s.jpg
9 Inside the driver's side wheelhouse, remove the three steering-box retaining bolts. After our steering box was free of the framerail, we tried to remove it, but it was snagged on both our Hooker Super Comp headers and the clutch cross-shaft. It wouldn't go out the bottom of the car either.
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Related Photos

1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Passenger Side Front View 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Driver Side Front Half View Mufp 0603 Rack And Pinion Kit 5 Removing Crossmember S
Mufp 0603 Rack And Pinion Kit 2 Parts S Mufp 0603 Rack And Pinion Kit 4 Removing Crossmember S Mufp 0603 Rack And Pinion Kit 6 Tierod Removal S
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