Rod & Custom Motorsports
Although Rod & Custom mainly offers a complete Mustang II-style front suspension that eliminates the vintage Mustang's shock towers, its systems also include a rack-and-pinion steering setup.
The complete tubular A-arm systems include a crossmember for tubular control arms, a motor-mount kit for any type of engine, a pair of spindles, a complete 11-inch front disc-brake kit, a pair of stainless-steel brake hoses with a frame-bracket kit, a pair of springs, a set of four tubular upper and lower control arms, and a rebuilt power or new manual steering rack.
Other bits include a pair of gas shocks, U-joints, steering shaft, bearing kit and adapter for the lower part of the steering column, a pair of inner-fender repair panels, and a 1-inch antisway bar with urethane bushings. The complete kit retails for $2,295. Add $75 for 2-inch dropped spindles.
Steeroids
Speed Direct is the manufacturer of the Steeroids rack-and-pinion steering conversion kits for '65-'70 Mustangs. Its kit is a complete bolt-in upgrade and includes a tilt-steering column. Speed Direct also offers a money-saving option for purchasing a kit without a steering column so you can use a stock column with little modification.
The Steeroids system offers a quick-ratio rack-and-pinion, among the quickest on the market. Power kits yield 2.5 turns lock-to-lock at the steering wheel, while the manual racks offer about three turns lock-to-lock. Systems are thoroughly track-and-road tested to ensure optimum performance.
As the suspension travels over bumps and rough areas in the road, if bumpsteer isn't adjusted correctly, alignment changes throughout the travel of suspension cause the car to wander and become darty. The Steeroids kits include adjustable tie-rod ends to control bumpsteer and are tested with a bumpsteer gauge. With the adjustable tie-rod ends, you can dial in the car for better control under all conditions. If your car has been lowered, bumpsteer can be greatly affected, but with the Steeroids kit, adjustments are possible.
Aftermarket headers for both small- and big-block are usually not a problem. The kits are lighter than the stock steering setup and don't require the removal of the structural crossbrace when installed. Power kits are designed to work with both stock and aftermarket steering pumps. These kits are also designed to maintain a tight turning radius.
Steeroids kits are available for Mustangs as a complete bolt-on kit with a choice of steering column finishes from $1,450. For owners who prefer to use their stock column, there is also a money-saving kit without a steering column. Those systems start at $1,150.
Randall's Rack and Pinion
Randall's aftermarket power rack-and-pinion steering system for '65-'70 small-block Mustangs also fits '67-'70 big-block cars with stock exhaust manifolds. The rack is mounted to a strong 11/44-inch steel, one-piece crossmember that provides a secure mounting point for the rack and helps to increase the strength of the front end. The rack turns three times lock-to-lock. The bolt-in conversion requires a small amount of work to the car's existing steering shaft and column depending on the style of column. All required parts are supplied, including a powder-painted crossmember, a rack-and-pinion unit, an intermediate shaft, a steering-column adapter, power-steering lines, a centerlink, and all other related installation hardware.
The Randall's system can be used with or without an existing power-steering pump. All lines are included to connect to a car's original pump. If you need a pump, Randall's offers a new aluminum pump with brackets and hoses for installation.
Randall's rack-and-pinion uses the original Ford column and steering wheel. All parts needed to use an original column are also included in the kit. Because aftermarket columns or steering wheels aren't used, the Mustang's original appearance is maintained on the inside.
The package is protected from possible damage by the one-piece crossmember design, and the placement of the steering rack provides adequate clearance for both long- and short-tube headers. The new (not rebuilt) power-steering pump includes an aluminum pulley, adapter brackets, and fluid lines.