How To Install Rack-And-Pinion Steering

The rack is heavy, so a helper is useful to hold it in place while the bracket caps are installed and all fasteners started. Once satisfied with the rack position, Pete tightens the vertical mounting bolts, engaging the lock washers and seating the bracket firmly at its location on the framerail.

The bracket caps are held in place using Allen head capscrews.

The steering rack tucks behind the oil pan in a well-protected location so you don't have to worry about snagging it on speed bumps, tall manhole covers, or other road hazards.

Turning our attention to the steering column connection, first install the lower universal-joint coupling onto the rack. This is the only attachment point that is splined. Don't tighten the set screw yet because the coupler has to be moved up and down during the installation of the new steering shaft.

The universal-joint coupling for the upper end installs onto the bottom of the steering-column output shaft. You can use either your stock column or an aftermarket steering column if desired.

With both universal couplers in their final positions, a careful measurement is made so the new section of steering shaft can be cut to the right length. When making your final determination, remember that too short a length could compromise the steering connection while too long will cause the universal joints in the couplers to bind.

Once the correct measurement has been determined, it's marked onto the new steering shaft and the cut is made using a carbide cut-off wheel.

Another critical measurement is for the set-screw dimple. Once the correct distance from the end of the shaft is determined, a center punch and hammer are used to mark the spot before using a drill bit to create a nice dimple. If you eliminate this step, the steering will develop a loose, ratchet-like feel.

Once the shaft has been prepared, it can be installed between the two universal couplings. You'll have to slide one or both of the couplings back and forth to create a gap wide enough to admit the shaft.

Final steering shaft installation includes locking down both couplers and centering the shaft between them. With the steering shaft in position, we can see that there will be some close but adequate clearances at the clutch cross-shaft and at the exhaust.

Here we're tightening the universal-joint coupling at the steering rack. The splines make a very positive connection and only one set screw is required at this juncture. A channel to receive the set screw is manufactured into the input shaft, so it's just a matter of firmly seating the screw and then turning down the jam nut. You may wish to use a thread locking compound such as red Loctite on the set screws.

The steering shaft actually passes through the factory four-speed clutch cross-shaft without interference. The TCP rack setup works with both automatic and manual transmission cars.

Now that we're done moving things around, it's time to go back and torque all fasteners according to the specifications in the instructions.

These steel bushings are tapered in the center bore to accommodate the tie-rod end stud, which is also tapered. The substantial shoulder machined onto one side of the bushing will locate it securely to the sliding output plate.

This extension attaches to the steering eye of the spindle casting and drops the tie-rod end down to the same level as the rack output. This allows the tie rod to be parallel with the lower control arms, thus eliminating bumpsteer.

These stout tie-rod coupler sleeves have a reverse thread on one end and a standard thread on the other to permit tie-rod length adjustment. The alignment wrench is applied to the flats on the sleeve and it is rotated to adjust for length, which sets toe. The spherical joints at the wheel end of the rod will further eliminate any potential for slop in the steering linkage.

Here's the completed installation of the TCP tie-rod end components. Be sure to go to an alignment shop to have all alignment specs checked. Don't postpone this visit; doing so can quickly ruin a pair of tires driving around with incorrect alignment.