Rack & PInion Install

[mdmead]

Is there any way to make the front tires turn farther on an Astro AWD 2003 to make the turning circle a bit tighter?
the Astro turn circle is kinda big at 44 ft?


Astrophysics

I've never actually measured my turning radius, but I've always been impressed with my '96 AWD. It turns nearly as tight as our Focus wagon and is a whole lot bigger.

[peter]

That's exactly the reason. I know, some idiot ground down the stops on my a-arms. That in conjunction (for our american brethren, conjunction means "along with" ) with the wrong bracket holding up my front diffy caused me to blow two cv joints.

[peter]

Yes, the spherical end is in there. Now, Larry,Larry Larry, the Cad tails are more than enough. I can't thank you enough, Bro. If we send Petey a "BINKY" it will keep his mouth busy.

Funny you shouild mention that. I am a grown adult male, yet I openly admit that I love my binkies. Mind you, I have two of 'em. Both firmly attached to Libby, who does her best to keep 'em in top shape, all just fer l'il ole me!

[dunedog]

That's exactly the reason. I know, some idiot ground down the stops on my a-arms. That in conjunction (for our american brethren, conjunction means "along with" ) with the wrong bracket holding up my front diffy caused me to blow two cv joints.

This on your trip to visit your American brethren ... right?

[dunedog]

and obviously Libby isn't around this weekend to monitor your posts

[Rebel]

Well, you guys won't believe what came in the mail yesterday. I can't get over the care package Skip sent. I thought he was just going to piece together the shaft since I was having issues finding the parts around here at the 96. When I opened the box, there was the shaft all together with 3 u-joints and ends to mate up witht the Mustang on one end and to the Astro on the other. Next were two very well made rack brackets and gussets. They also had the rack connection bolts welded right on the brackets. Then there was the offset with the spherical fitting that bolts to frame using the same holes as the gear box was bolted to which the shaft goes through to keep the 3 u-joints shaft aligned. The offset was even tapped to use the Astro gear box bolts. On top of putting the assembly kit together, every piece was painted. Even came with a full page of step by step very well written directions.

Skip,,you are the man bud, unreal.
'
Will post pics tonight of all these parts. I really think they came from a proshop out around Darren's neck of the woods.lol

[phr1$k37]

Oh feel the love in the air! Man reading the whole thread shows why many of us just love hanging around in here. Unreal TLC from real folks who care. Even the ones who bricker ... I mean someone has to be the teaser and teased!

[peter]

Well, you guys won't believe what came in the mail yesterday. I can't get over the care package Skip sent. I thought he was just going to piece together the shaft since I was having issues finding the parts around here at the 96. When I opened the box, there was the shaft all together with 3 u-joints and ends to mate up witht the Mustang on one end and to the Astro on the other. Next were two very well made rack brackets and gussets. ......Skip,,you are the man bud, unreal.

And I can tell you why Skip did this for you. He's terrified that your rack & pinion conversion will take as long as your rear IRS conversion. You know, the one for which we still haven't heard any final verdict on.
I'm tellin' ya Gramps, lettin' Darren into your midst has contaminated you with his "work-in-progress-forever" credo. Big mistake if you ask me...

[Rebel]

He's jealous,,I knew it.
I have a true friend who wants to help me out. One who cares and feels truely sorry that a member has grown old trying to finish his ride.
Skip and Darren,,don't pay him any mind. He's still upset that he blew his 401 building the "Smurfmobile" and Tramper.

[Rebel]

Here's the surprise package that arrived from Skip(smiliesafari) yesterday. Some really nice work for sure and Peter,,I'll be in the garage tomorrow. Susan's out of town so YOU know what that means.

[peter]

Damn!!!

[sfeaver]

The turning radius got worse when they went to 16" wheels in 2003... Not sure if you can fix it, the tires might rub the anti-roll bar.

[phr1$k37]

Damn!!!

Bad word! *takes a look at the photo above* ... damn! That is pro!

[potskie]

Damn that's one good looking kit! The words above and beyond don't even describe it. Smilie is that a practice run for the professional kit your going to unleash on the world or something? lol

[GEJ]

LARRY!!!!!!!.GEZZZZZZ!!!!!!.Ok Skip-plse send me a PM for the cost to buy that kit.I hadn't planned for a rack for my van,but now seeing the kit,it kind of spurred my interest.

Hey Larry you got to stop coming up with these new ideas.It could cause me more work than I had planned for.