Classic Ford Mustang Power Steering - How To Install Power Rack-And-Pinion Steering

9. Randall's provides a billet-aluminum coupler to tie the rack to the Mustang's outer tie-rod end.

10. The Mustang's outer tie-rod ends transfer over to the Randall's rack. Don't get them mixed up: left-to-left and right-to-right.

11. In our situation, we had to shorten the inner tie-rods by 1/2 inch each. What is shown here is closer to 1 inch, which was later changed to 1/2 inch. Shortening the inner tie-rod may be necessary for improved toe adjustment. Do not cut until you are certain it needs to be shortened.

12. One rivet on each side secures the inner tie-rod assemblies. Insert it, then depress the pin with a hammer.

13. Dust boots go on each side once the tie-rod installation is complete. These boots keep road dust out of the rack.

14. Rack installation is complete, shown here from the top side because the engine has been removed for a rebuild. All that's left now is to install the hydraulic hoses for the pressure and return lines to the pump.

A challenge for this installation was Laurie's IdidIt steering column. It was too long by about 2 inches. Laurie will have to send the column back to IdidIt and have it shortened by 2 inches for smooth operation with the Randall's rack. For stock rag-joint applications, cut the coupling off the shaft and tie it into the constant-velocity package Randall's provides.

Watch Out For This One
When we ran down the rack bolts, we found out the hard way about frame cracking. Laurie's '68 fastback had a defect. The internal support (or bridge) inside the rail, which keeps the rail from collapsing during steering-gear and idler-arm installation, fell down inside the rail. When Derek ran the bolts down, the rail cracked. We installed a temporary gusset until we can fix the rail for Laurie. We're convinced the bridge's spot-welds failed, causing it to fall down inside the rail when we removed the steering gear.

Our greatest challenge was Laurie's long IdidIt column. The angle, as you can see, is too steep. When the column is shortened 2 inches, it will be a perfect fit.