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  •  » Total Control Big Block rack & pinion

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    5/18/2019 5:40 PM  #1

    1fststang
    I FYI 24-7

    Offline

    Registered: 6/02/2013
    Posts: 419

    Total Control Big Block rack & pinion

    Any of you guys install one of these?

    I had a tough time figuring out how to center the rack before installing the tie rods but think I got that worked out.

    Problem I have now is trying to tighten the nuts for the inner tie rods.  I have the nuts on but you can't really get a wrench on them due to the hardl lines they install on the rack being in the way,  Its really tight area. 

    The big block rack uses the upper mount on the rack for the tie rods.

     

    5/19/2019 5:05 PM  #2

    MS
    Forum Originator

    Offline

    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,297

    Re: Total Control Big Block rack & pinion

    Big block and small block use same rack but longer brackets where the rack bolts to the frame, and then an offset center link to raise the tie rods back up. You can always remove the center link fron the rack, attach the tie rods and then bolt the center link back in place.
    Also can try turning the steering right and left to install tie rods.

    I just looked into using big block stuff on my car to get more oil pan clearance. They wanted $420 for the longer brackets and different center link. I guess my rack bellows will have to keep rubbing the pan on turns like they have since 2005 when I installed it.   Good news is no drips or seepage or issues since the day I installed it.

    Tip for you:  there are two setscrews on the rack input yoke that set the rack’s centering tendencies. Don’t change the factory settings unless needed, but I would remove them and install some ant-sieze on the threads. Mine are seized up and could not be adjusted if ever needed. At least not with any allen wrench I own. !

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    5/19/2019 6:59 PM  #3

    1fststang
    I FYI 24-7

    Offline

    Registered: 6/02/2013
    Posts: 419

    Re: Total Control Big Block rack & pinion

    thanks,

    I did remove the center brace to mount the tie rods,  The instructions say to use the 7/16 washer and castle nut with cotter key.  Of course after tightening the nuts and even torqueing them from 35-40 lbs the hole isn't exposed but just a little but not enough for cotter key. I started to install a nut with nylon insert like one of the instructions say.  I instead only used one side of the cotter key and bent both sides over so it should work fine for making sure the nut can't back off..  Just frustrating you try and follow instructions on an expensive part and you run in to issues.
     

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